So it turns out there is in fact a block button besides the dodge. Glad I took the time to find that out.
Surtr Battle: 53:00
The Bridge to Hel: 1:05:36 (cool music. Hate that door)
Labyrinth Shard Trial: 2:02:02
Blindness shard Trial: 2:16:46 (if this game didn't make me nervous BEFORE):