Hafgúa, [ɦɑf-ɡy-wä] is a legendary monster from the darkest depths of the ocean. Better known from the sagas of Örvar-Odds or as the Leviathan from the biblical accounts of Job and Jonah.
According to lore, the beast disguises itself as a rock island at low tide and feeds on anything in its path, devouring whales and ships with their entire crews. This terrifying creature is the terror of the water world and all who dare to venture into it.
The album has an overarching aquatic theme that can be seen in everything. All four tracks on Hafgúa’s debut “Out of the depths of Sheol” play with concepts around water, the ocean, sea monsters, etc. The album cover and the band photos carry this line through.
Slightly inspired by the characters from films like “Das Boot” and “Lighthouse” everything has a certain gravitas and atmosphere to it, like that taciturn look you only encounter in fishermen with a ‘dark past’. The true identity of the band is of no real importance and could have its origins in these, nomen nescio or fictional characters. They might for example, be coming from Bakkafjörður, the smallest village in remote Iceland.
The heavy and atmospheric doom-hymns are the background for Misha’s ethereal voice, contrasted by the low growling narrative of Thomas’ vocals, portraying their various roles in the lyrics such as “The sea that wont release her dead” and “The drowning mariner sinking into the depths” in Undertow.
The lyrics deal with the stubbornness of man, the fall from grace, the sovereignty of God and man’s redemption through the finished work of Christ.
Tracks:
1. Tidal
2. Never drowning
3. Undertow
4. Drifting further
Hafgúa’s “Out of the depths of Sheol” is set to be released to all major streaming platforms by December 2023, and on vinyl by February 2024, as a limited edition first run on a heavy quality green marbled vinyl.
Hafgúa is :
- Misha (Startled by Silence)
- Thomas (Deckard/ Jedidah /J’accuse!…)
- Gerben (De Jammermannen / Der Frügtensängers)
- Frank (Killing Goliath / Wolfer)
- Carl ( Desillusion / J’accuse!… / Killing Goliath / Wolfer)
Social Media: Facebook / Bandcamp