Country of origin:
Italy
Location:
Matera, Basilicata
Status:
Active
Formed in:
2006
Genre:
Black/Viking Metal
Themes:
Nordic themes, Viking mythology, War
Current label:
Earth and Sky Productions
Years active:
2006-2008 (as Bloodshed), 2008-present
Valhalla is the English equivalent of the Old Icelandic Valhöll meaning "Hall of the Slain". According to Both The Poetic, the Prose Edda and Skaldic Poetry, Valhöll is the abode of the old Norse god Óðinn and the hall in which he welcomes his fallen warriors, the Einherjar.
Compilation appearances:
- "Warrior of the Northern" on Black Pagan Death Salute Vol. 2 (2 x CD, Salute Records, 2010)
Bloodshed Walhalla was founded in 2006 in Matera, Basilicata, as the personal vision of multi‑instrumentalist Drakhen, who initially operated under the name Bloodshed before adopting the definitive moniker in 2008. From the beginning, the project embraced a fiercely epic blend of black and Viking metal, deeply rooted in Norse mythology, heroic sagas, and the martial spirit of the Poetic and Prose Edda. The concept of Valhöll—Odin’s hall of the fallen warriors—became the symbolic heart of the band, shaping both its lyrical direction and its sweeping, narrative‑driven compositions.
Bloodshed Walhalla quickly became known for its unmistakable homage to the Viking era of Bathory, not as imitation but as a continuation of that epic tradition. Drakhen’s songwriting favors long, atmospheric structures, solemn choirs, melodic tremolo lines, and a storytelling approach that evokes ancient battles, gods, and apocalyptic prophecy. His ability to handle all instruments and vocals in the studio gives the project a cohesive, personal identity, marked by a raw yet majestic sound.
The early demos Walhalla (2008) and Demo 2009 established the project’s foundations, leading to the first full‑length, The Legends of a Viking (2010), which was praised in the underground for its immersive atmosphere and mythic scope. With The Battle Will Never End (2012), Bloodshed Walhalla solidified its reputation as one of Italy’s most dedicated Viking metal acts, delivering long, epic tracks steeped in Nordic lore.
The years that followed saw a prolific creative streak: the Mather EP (2015), the full‑length Thor (2017), and the ambitious Tribute to Bathory (2017), a heartfelt salute to the genre’s origins. Ragnarok (2018) and The Walls of Asgard (2018) expanded the project’s mythological universe, while later releases such as Second Chapter (2021) and Glory to the Sacred Land (2023) showcased increasingly refined production and a grander, more cinematic approach.
Though Bloodshed Walhalla remains a studio project centered entirely on Drakhen, the addition of a live lineup—Kvasir (bass), Jotunn (drums), Hel‑Blar (guitars), and Draugr (guitars)—has allowed the project’s epic sound to be brought to the stage with full force. Their partnership with Earth and Sky Productions has further strengthened their international presence, helping the band reach a broader audience within the pagan, Viking, and black metal communities.
Today, Bloodshed Walhalla stands as one of Italy’s most enduring and recognizable Viking/black metal entities, carrying forward the legacy of mythic storytelling with unwavering devotion and a prolific, ever‑expanding discography.
Current Member:
Drakhen – All instruments, Vocals (2006–present)
Live Line‑up:
Kvasir – Bass
Jotunn – Drums
Hel‑Blar – Guitars
Draugr – Guitars
Discography:
Walhalla – Demo, 2008
Demo 2009 – Demo, 2009
The Legends of a Viking – Full‑length, 2010
The Battle Will Never End – Full‑length, 2012
Demo 2014 – Demo, 2014
Mather – EP, 2015
Thor – Full‑length, 2017
Tribute to Bathory – Full‑length, 2017
The Walls of Asgard – EP, 2018
Ragnarok – Full‑length, 2018
The Prey – Single, 2021
Second Chapter – Full‑length, 2021
Glory to the Sacred Land – Single, 2023
Glory to the Sacred Land – Full‑length, 2023
| Walhalla | Demo | 2008 | |
| Demo 2009 | Demo | 2009 | |
| The Legends of a Viking | Full-length | 2010 | |
| The Battle Will Never End | Full-length | 2012 | |
| Demo 2014 | Demo | 2014 | |
| Mather | EP | 2015 | |
| Thor | Full-length | 2017 | |
| Tribute to Bathory | Full-length | 2017 | |
| The Walls of Asgard | EP | 2018 | |
| Ragnarok | Full-length | 2018 | |
| The Prey | Single | 2021 | |
| Second Chapter | Full-length | 2021 | |
| Glory to the Sacred Land | Single | 2023 | |
| Glory to the Sacred Land | Full-length | 2023 |