Valkyrja

In 2004 the Swedish black metal outfit Valkyrja assembled and swiftly earned attention for their bloodthirsty lyrics and brutal speed. Founding members Joakim, J. Lindgren, Skall, Xeproth, and S.W. issued the self-released debut EP Funeral Voices in 2005, an effort later reissued by Deathkrush Productions under the title Far Beyond, after which the group experienced multiple personnel shifts. Guitarist Joakim gave way to A. Hed while Disdained drummer J. Wallgren assumed Skall’s role. The band’s first full-length, The Invocation of Demise, was tracked at Necromorbus Studio during spring 2007 and appeared that September via Northern Silence. Further alterations followed, culminating in M.A. stepping in for bassist J. Lindgren during July 2008. Metal Blade Records inked the group later that year, prompting a return to the studio alongside Tore Stjerna to cut Contamination, issued in summer 2009.