To write "the best album of the year" on your flyers is a bit over the top don't you think. I can't agree with that, but never the less it is a interesting debut album from this Norweigan band no doubt about it. It's very Enslaved inspired Viking Black Metal, very fast, extremely intence with good riffs that's alternated with acoustic guitars, keyboards, male viking choirs or just some slower riffs to help you catch your breath. All material is done by a more or less unknown guy, but the band have members from such acts as Gorgoroth, Ulver and Enslaved. Several songs has that all important viking feeling to it which I think matters most in a viking metal band. Otherwise it's fast riffs with grim vocals and some keyboards. There are also additional normal vocals and all is done with good production by Pytten in Grieghallen studios. I must say that it's one of the best Viking metal albums I've heard. It's far from the best album of 96 but it's still a very good album that deserves some attention.
Rated

The Olden Domain

Another album from one of the leading forces within Viking metal. I was glad when I suddently found this album in the store and became even happier when I heard it. The material is splendid and the music has developed to more originality. There's plenty of normal vocals and male choirs which all gives it a stronger feeling then before. It reminds somewhat of Einherjar I would say, but is more complexed. There are both faster and slower parts which are brilliantly mixed and together with a very good production is there nothing for me to complain about. This album might easily grow into a full 5/5 in the nearest weeks.
Rated

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