Demonic Slaughter - 'Downfall' (2013)

Demonic Slaughter

'Downfall'

Pagan Recs.

2013

Demonic Slaughter is a polish black metal horde from Lublin, Poland. The band was founded in 2006, it has 4 full-lenghs albums on account together with few shorter materials. 'Downfall' is their last release.
The last LP 'Revelations of Death' had some death metal relish (swedish, to be more precise), this time the guys decided to create pure black metal hell. Well, I must say that even it's not very revealing, the music it's very nice (let say, haha). Harsh vocals, fast, depressive yet often catchy riffs (especially great 'Cold and Haunted') and a drummer devastating his implement creates kinda dark atmosphere. Black metal maniacs should feel good with this kind of tunes. The production is very stifling, so that you have to focus on what's you're currently listenning to. For some folks it might be a flaw, but I think that in this case it's a big advantage - forget about listenning to this stuff in a bus or during washing the dishes and absorb the cult (haha)! Too feel the real obscurity of 'Downfall' you have to spare some time to this music.
There are not many slow parts this time. I noticed though that in some moments ('Dark Matter Constelation', or especially 'Martwa Cisza') the music is more similar to the kindred band of one of musicians - Xaosis. So the music slows down a bit, and goes into more rock/melanacholic areas. It is a nice sign of variety, and more of such elements on the future releases will be welcome by me with open arms. Also this release is full of some background noises and wild screams. Nothing new indeed, but defenitely adds some more evil element to this grim atmosphere.
The material at first seems to be very monotonous and boring, but after some replays it defenitely shows a listenner it's 'better' side. This seeming monotony together with stifling production creates very nasty climate and indeed good music. Everyone who loves cold and haunted (hehe) sound should defenitely give a try to 'Downfall'.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Ordeal

2. Labyrinth of Lost

3. Dark Matter Constelation

4. Lightbringer - The Architect

5. Martwa Cisza

6. Darkness

7. Planet of Doom 

8. Cold and Haunted

Total time: 37:50

Furia - 'W melancholii' (2013)

Furia

'W Melancholii'

Pagan Recs.

2013

'W melancholii' is the second EP released by Furia - a polish black metal horde, which like to experiment from time to time. This time Let The World Burn crew experiments even more than usual.
There are only two tracks here, but they're total playing time is almost 18 minutes - quite long. Both are also played in similar way. Everyone who was expecting a black metal inferno will be obviously disappointed. But from the other side - do you really expect any predictability from this band? But back to the topic - both tracks are very minimalistic and, let say, muted. The guitars play slowly psychodelic motifs, from time to time being accompanied by drums. Label 'experimantal' is quite on the spot in this case - all these guitar dissonances and noises in the background seems to only strengthen my point. The atmosphere is really amazing, especially when you are listenning to it in headphones, completely alone. The title means in polish 'In melancholy', and I think that it's very suitable - music is very calm, and indeed melancholic.
Beside normal metal instruments the music is also supported by some frugal electronic tunes, which make this release even more distant from the typical 'few accords and screaming' scheme. This a bit 'cosmic' sound is really breathtaking. Also the ending of both of the tracks is very unexpected. Especially the first one will surprise you hehe. From my side I would like to just add that this motif is simply amazing - it's propably my favourite part of this EP. Another proof that the guys are not affraid to do anything they want.
Well, and that's it - short release means short review. My conclusion is as follows: people buy this thing, 'cause it's worth you money and time.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Listen to Furia's music here, from bandcamp.

Tracklist:

1. Z melancholika krew nie wypływa

2. Napuchną mną drzewa

Total time: 17:36

Emyn Muil - 'Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga' (2013)

Emyn Muil

'Turin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga'

Nartum Music Projects

2013

Epicness, atmosphere, black metal and Tolkien - what band comes to your head? Of course Summoning. There are/were quite many bands influenced by this legendary duo - one were better, other were worse. Emyn Muil, a debutant one-men solo project from the sunny Italia is one of another austrians disciples.
Other band that comes to my head is of course Elffor. The label/band put to this list also Windir and Arathorn. Well, the elements of the first one can be barely heard here, the second one is unknown to me. Yet I hope that you got the general idea? The music is epic, yet also very raw and dark. The closest clue are here three first albums of Summoning - they have more or less similar atmosphere. The production is not very well, vocals are screaming in an unintelligible way and keyboard-based ambient creates 'epicness'. I have nothing against 'bad' production, but here sometimes everything is merge into one thing. Another fail are in my opinion keyboards - in many places they sound very synthetic. I mean especially purely ambient tracks, 'cause the metal ones sounds much better. Today it's way easier to create more natural sound, so being blindly gazed in Summoning is not the best idea in this case.
Most of the tracks are not very original. It is clearly heard that Saverio, the guy responsible for this project, is still under a big influence of mentioned hordes. Well, not everyone is a genius able to create something completely fresh at the first time. I'm affraid that due to this fact Emyn Muil will land in 'for Summoning maniacs' label, and this is not completely fair. There are tracks that are really good, with no doubt (opening one, 'Path of the Doomed',  or defenitely the best song  'Death of Glaurung'). Especially great is the using of 'choirs', or battle cries (you name it) and war horns. Some of the riffs are also really fine, very heavy and catchy - a motif from 'Turin Son of Hurin' is a good example. Too bad that many times soughing production makes it impossible to hear it well. Ambient tracks can be also a great interludes - 'The Sack of Nargothrond' is a shining point of this release, made in an excellent way. On the other hand, I think that  sometimes there is too much of it. Putting three ambient composition one after another in the middle of the album wasn't really the best idea.
So in conclusion - the album is not bad, but it can be done better. I was complaining a lot, but the music really makes a very positive impression in many parts. People who love raw, epic stuff will be of course vitally interested in this material. In case of the other ones - that depends, but they can give this band a chance. Personally I have one advice for Emyn Muil: less ambient, more originality for the future. Try to make something more for your own, and maybe it will profit on the next release.

Rate: 7/10
Vladyka

P.S
If I'm not mistaken, the band will release the next album via Northern Silence Prods. You can also purchase this one in their shop.

Check out band's music:

Tracklist:

1. Turin Son of Hurin

2.Aure Entuluva

3. Arise in Gondolin

4. Mim's Betrayal

5. Dark Riots From Angband

6. Gurthang

7. Path of the Doomed

8. The Sack of Nargothrond

9. Death of Glaurung

10. Hail to the Black Sword

Total time: 52:14

Tyr - 'Valkyrja' (2013)

Tyr

'Valkyrja'

Metal Blade Recs.

2013

What is Tyr - propably everbody who likes folk metal (or even metal in general) knows. This faroese band is quite long on a scene, and 'Valkyrja' is their (let me just count...) album number seven.
I was very dissapointed by the previous longplay'The Lay of Thrym'. It had continued the more heavy-metal course that was initiated on 'By the Light of the Northern Star', but at the same time it was totally mediocre. Boredom, in one word, potentiated by the fact that Tyr plays music in very similar style on every album. So I was kinda sceptical about the new release, but happily the guys decided to record this time something with a soul. I have also a feeling that it's even more purely heavy-metal than 'By the Light...' and 'The Lay...'. Maybe it's just my imagination, but listen for example to such 'Blood of Heroes' or 'Into the Sky' - isn't it obviously inspired by Iron Maiden and other NWoBHM masters? Mostly the tracks have quite a big power - they are melodic, catchy and pugnacious so that the head after some time automatically starts to bang. Maybe the music is not very aggressive, it's calmer than two last longplays, but it has defenitely a soul.
There are also two tracks that should remind you older albums - 'Grindavísan' and 'Fánar Burtur Brandaljóð'. Sung in the national tongue of Faroe Islands, inspired by the folk music of that region. Well, as always it sounds good - those are one of my favourite songs. To be honest I prefered Tyr playing that more folk-oriented music, but I understand that they had to put some new elements into their music. So let's say that it's quite OK for me. There is also one novelty here - 'The Lay of Our Love', with guest vocals by Liv Kristine. To be honest it's just a tearful ballad, played completely in rock way. It's good that the guys at last tried to compose something different, but it doesn't make a bigger impression on me. It's not bad though, and one such song on the whole album is a nice ornament.
So as you can see - the whole album could be written in one sentence. 'Tyr recorded music in the same style again - and this time it's good". Some of the old fans will propably gruble that Tyr stands in the same point, bringing them more or less the same music as on 'By the Light...'. Others will say that this is good, just not very revolutionery. And of course there are younger/new fans, who will be very excited because everything that they need to be happy are vikings and pugnacious music. In which category you are - you'll decide. Personally for me the album is really OK, but I am not sure if it is solid enough to defend itself in the future. Time will tell.

Rate: 7+/10

Check out a video-clip for the track 'Blood of Heroes':

Tracklist:

1. Blood of Heroes

2. Mare of My Night

3. Hel Hath No Fury

4. The Lay of Our Love

5. Nation

6. Another Fallen Brother

7. Grindavísan 

8. Into The Sky

9. Fánar Burtur Brandaljóð 

10. Lady of the Slain

11. Valkyrja

12. Where Eagles Dare (Iron Maiden cover)

13. Cemetery Gates (Pantera cover)

Total time: 59:35

Kvelertak - 'Meir' (2013)

Kvelertak

'Meir'

Indie Recs.

2013

What is Kvelertak, I propable don't have to explain. There is enough fuzz about Norwegians in the mainstream metal press, so that everybody should know something about them and their music. So without more empty words - let's skip this intro and focus on the music.
OK, first of all - Kvelertak still have their original style that I liked very much. Still very rock'n'roll - in my opinion even more than on the previous album. The music is also more melodic, and generally speaking 'Meir' has defenitely more in common with classic hard rock, punk than with extreme genres (although there are exceptions - vocals, and the track 'Nekrokosmos' which is kinda heavy). At the first look, everything is fine - the music is even more pugnacious, and tracks such as 'Braune Bren' or 'Snilepisk' sounds really great. I remember how excited I was about them when the album was released. Even the clean vocals, which irritated me on the debut, here are done in an awesome way. It seems that I should kneel on my knees and prostrate...
Maybe I should, but it won't happen. Unfortunetely - after a longer time the music looses much of it's magic. I was wondering why, and I think that now I know the answer. Most of the tracks are simply TOO melodic - comparing too the first album, which was much more rawer. OK, there were melodies too, but here we got too much of those melodic solos, choirs and stuff like that. Want a proof? Just try to listen to such 'Evig Vandrar' or 'Undertro' a few times in a row - you will quickly get what I am talking about. Of course, if somebody is permeated by the hard rock, or melodic genres - he/she can welcome such riffing with open arms. Yet I am a bit dissapointed.
But hey - don't get me wrong! The music is still very listenable (except too long 'Tordenbrak'...), but unfortunetely it doesn't has the syndrom of 'I need too push the replay button once again!'. The debut album was fantastic, the second one is just good. I've spoken.

Rate: 7+/10
Vladyka

 

Check out band's music:

 

Tracklist:

1. Apenbaring

2. Spring Fra Livet

3. Trepan

4. Bruane Brenn

5. Evig Vandrar

6. Snilepisk

7. Manelyst

8. Nekrokosmos

9. Undertro

10. Tordenbrak

11. Kvelertak

Total time: 49:05

Massemord - 'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Massemord

'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Pagan Recs.

2013

 

 

 Massemord should be known to everybody who is interested in a polish black metal scene. The band is active since 2000 year, and recorded several materials. 'A Life-Giving...' is their fourth full-lenght album. To be honest I still don't know what I should think about their last record, and suddenly here we are another one. That's the most certain reason why I review it so late hehe.
But let's focus on music. Happily for me the album is not similar to the previous one. So we have here nine tracks lasting around five-six minutes. My first association was the second LP of Massemord - 'The Whore of Hate'. Songs are mostly ultra-furious, yet musicians always find time to go into more horrific areas. Sometimes the music can be reallu unhuman (or antihuman) - like in excellent 'We All Shall Die Miserable Death'. Extremely fast tempos are weaving with slower ones, Namtar is spitting out lyrics about fall of mankind and generally listener is put to the world of madness. Such disturbing, depressive atmosphere can inlfuence you very much.
Everything sounds as always very good - this crew is known for recording of at least good music. Yet I have a problem with this album. It lacks something, and I don't know what. This music sounds too similar to the other albums - many of similar guitar licks I heard in a bit other form on previous materials. There are of course some novelties - for example some riffs reminds me... Thrash metal. I would never suppose that this band is going to play something like that - yet it is true (listen to for example 'The Deity of Ferocity' or 'Trophy of Wasted Breath'). Luckily these are only some relishes, so Massemord still owns it's original style.
Don't get me wrong - the album is really good. Hate that is atacking listener through the music and lyrics makes me sure that 'A Life-Giving...' is recorded with authentic passion. If you, dear listener, don't know Massemord you will propably say that this album is fantastic. But if you already heard their other stuff, you will be not surprised. I am pleased though.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

P.S
As always there are some drum-beats in the vain of 'up-tss', 'up-tss' if you know what I mean (propably not hahaha). I am curious what Fenriz (who is critising it in every interview) would say about that ;)

Listen to band's music:

Tracklist:
1. A Devastation Giving Power of Life
2. The Deity of Ferocity
3. Towards Divine Anticlimax
4. Trophy of Wasted Breath
5. Piercing Ailing Heart of Humanity
6. We All Shall Die Miserable Death
7. A Horror To come
8. The Stoning Malignant
9. Water of Life
Total time: 48:58

Eternal Helcaraxe - 'Against All Odds' (2012)

Eternal Helcaraxe

'Against All Odds'

Abyss Recs.

2012

Eternal Helcaraxe is an irish black metal horde with some pagan metal attitude. 'Against All Odds' is their debut full-lenght album (even if the guys are playing since 2003).
This introduction is not very original, but from the other side - the music that I have to describe is not very original too. But I appreciate bands like this much - if they know what they want to achieve. Eternal Helcaraxe uses old, tested patents. So we have here fast black metal riffs with some epic attitude, ultra-fast drum beats and furious, harsh vocals. Very often the music is also assisted by keyboard in the background, which creates more epic sound. But don't worry, this is not a poor version of Dimmu Borgir but a juicy metal sound in 100%.
So as you can see - we have here all of the good stuff from the 90's. And what can I say? At the beginning the album makes quite a good impression, and I was pleased with what I was listenning to. Epic music, glorious texts about proud of irish heritage and such things - it all makes a good impression. I've heard similar things quite many times, yet I still enjoy it.
From time to time the band slows down, and rarely it is weaving some non metal tunes into it's music (like acoustics). Unfortunetely regardless of that each track sounds very similar to the other ones, so at some point a listener is starting to loose contact with the music. For me it would be OK, but such kind of playing should be taken in smaller doses - half of hour is a perfect time for this. After that everything starts to sound the same. At the beginning of this review I had stated that I apreciate not very original bands if they know what they want. Eternal Helcaraxe is one of them - they understand how to create a hellish, yet a bit epic sound BUT my rating would be one point higher if their opus was a bit shorter.
I advice the band one of two ways - to complicate your music a little bit more, or simply record shorter material. Yet still the content of 'Against All Odds' is really not bad - fans of myths, metal and paganism can give it a try.

Rate: 6/10
Vladyka

A Youtube 'clip' for the track 'Invictus':

Tracklist:
1. Claim Your Place With Gods
2. One Stands Still Here
3. Invictus
4. We Assist Death
5. Shadow of the Wolf
6. As the Snow Gathers
7. Echeos Through Our Blood
8. Against All Odds (All the Battles to Come - part II)
Total time: 50:24

Summing up the 2013...

Here's my very subjective list containing my favourite albums of the last year. Those albums are really great in my opinion - I'm sure I will be enjoying them for many, many years!
By the way - I'm sure that there are propably still some great albums that I haven't listen to, but as for this moment my favs are:

Caladan Brood

'Echeos of Battle'

A very cool debut. Caladan Brood is hailing from States and playing epic/atmospheric black metal. Fans of old Summoning and epicness in music in general - this music is made particulary for You!

Read a review here (by the way - it is my first review ever done. Please be understanding).

You can also read an interview with a band here.

Carpe Noctem 

'In Terra Profugus'

Another great debut album. Carpe Noctem, an icelandic black metal band, had recorded an insane music. Pure insanity in a form of sonic landscape... Fans of extremity should appreciate much this release.

Read a review here and the interview with a band here.

 

Darkthrone

'The Underground Resistance'

Well, this band doesn't need any introduction, does it? In my opinion 'The Underground Resistance' is another good move in Darkthrone's 'career'. A very good example how the passion can e forged into a great songs.

There is no review yet - it's a bit embarrasing, but I started to listen to this album very late. Yet you can expect some of my thoughts about it soon!

Falkenbach

'Asa'

Many people were complaining that Vatyas has again recorded the same music. But since I am a great fan of Falkenbach, I must say that I feel perfectly OK with that. 'Asa' is a great album that I will be surely torturing for a very long time!

Read a review here.

Rotting Christ

'Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού'

Generally speaking there are two types of Rotting Christ fans - those who are spitting on the new albums and keep being kvlt and trve, and those who enjoy new stuff anyway. I defenitely belong to the latter category. In my opinion Greeks recorded great album, much better than a bit boring 'Aealo'.

Read my review here.

Summoning

'Old Mornings Dawn'

Yeah, I know that many fans are complaining about new Summoning releases. 'Too modern they are' - say ones. 'Too sweet it is' - say others. Personally I don't care. Beside a terrible intro I worship this album - and I return to it veeery often. One of the most important albums of 2013 for me.

Read my review here and the interview with whole band here.

The Flight of Sleipnir

'Saga'

Those Americans know how to create an awesome mix of doom/stoner/viking metal with some acoustic motifs. A very original piece of music, sadly I have a feeling that it's at the same time very underrated.

My review is here.

You can also read what the band have to say about their work - here. 

Daemonia Nymphe

'Psychostasia'

And now some of neofolk albums that I was enjoying in last year. 'Psychostasia' is a first of them. It's onirique, ethereal atmosphere and the lyrics based on old, greek hymns hailing ancient gods creates a fantastic music. Everyone who had never heard it - it's time to correct this mistake!

Read a review here.

Wardruna

'Runaljod - Yggdrassil'

And last but not least - Wardruna. Everybody who had heard this album knows how fantastic it is. A norse folklore, runes and shamanistic rituals - that are the key-words. 'Yggdrasil' is a great, spiritual journey through the meaning of norse runes deep into your soul (how poetic I am by the way).

Read my review here.

Irminsul - "Fäder" (2013)

Irminsul 

"Fäder"

Purity Through Fire

2013

Many people say that a reviewer must be objective in his work. That no matter how much he doesn't like certain genres of music he have to rate band's music by looking at their skills, sensitivity etc. 

Well, I guess that you know why I had written such an introduction. The music of this swedish horde is defenitely not something that I like. Moreover - the tunes that they are presenting belongs to the category called "Damn, not this again...". Partly is is my fault, because I searched this album by myself. I saw a cover, I've listen to a beginning of the first track and said "well, maybe it'll be good." Well, in my opinion it is not. I know that you will call me an internet-warrior, poser etc. But I gave some time to find something interesting here, so I will write what's following. 

The first track is indeed not bad - especially guitar riffs are quite interesting, even if not revolutionery. Yet the first groop that came to my ears were those keyboard-violin tunes in the backgruound. In some places they sound like a more frugal version of Nightwish or some Sonata Arctica thing.

Well, unfortunetely the band seems to really like that kind of playing, because already in the second song they are turning into more power-metal style. When I hear sweet keyboards, female nice vocals and sad riffs mixed with harsh vocals I know that this is not something for me. I even understand the idea of oldschool power metal in vain of Manilla Road, but I can't stand Sonata Arctica-like things mixed with music inspired by older Ensiferum albums. For me it is a pure horror! But a real horror is a track number three, where a singer decides too to do some sweet melodies. And it goes like this for almost whole album - sometimes it's more power metal, sometimes it's more similar to Ensiferum. By the way I am very curious where other reviewers hear on "Fäder" some folk influences. Those sweet-like-hell acoustic guitars and maudlin violin and fluet motifs have nothing bounded with folk music. That's just my opinion, but if a band wasn't promoted as a thing for fans of Falkenbach, Skyforger or Manegarm I propably wouldn't listen to it.

 I must also confess that this is the first album that I couldn't dare to listen integrally - I had to make a break in the mid. This is a good conculsion what I think about this album - for me it is just a waste of time. I hate such a mix of sweetness and brutality. Brutal things should be brutal, and sweet thing should be called pop music. 

If you don't vomit with a rainbow when you hear a music of mentioned below bands, you can check this album. Otherwise stay away from it. BTW I wish Irminsul all the best in the future - but I hope that I won't meet your music in my life anymore. That would be best for us all.

Rate: not-very-high/10

Vladyka

A Youtube "videoclip":

Tracklist:

1. Stupagraven

2. Nattramn

3. Galgaman

4. Hagridden

5. Letters from the Past

6. Bäckakarlens dans 

7. Clades Variana 

8. Ölbänk 

9.  Neverending Story (Limahl cover) 

Total time: 52:15

Korpiklaani - "Manala" (2012)

Korpiklaani

"Manala"

Nuclear Blast 

2012

What is Korpiklaani propably every fan of folk metal knows. This is one of the most influencial band on the scene. In circles of grim, cult pagan metalers it is considered as a shame. Yet fortunetely I not one of them, so I can with a clear conscience describe you what "Manala" contains. Some of you may also say that I am a hypocrite, since I very often write how I disguist modern jolly-polka folk metal bands. Yet in my opinion Korpiklaani is something more than only merry glorification of alcohol, and I'll try to show you it in this short review.
The album begins in a very weak style - two first tracks are very bland. Really - no lively melodies, no relish of melancholy - nothing! Luckily after'em we can listen to the best track on this album "Rauta". This pulsatory bass, vivacious melodies and a bit "shamanic" relish makes it a perfect hit for a concert! Also vocals make a good impression - if you have ever heard finnish language you know that it can be so damn catchy! This is how Korpiklaani's music should sound.
Next tracks are not as good as "Rauta", yet they still keep the unique atmosphere of Korpiklaani's characteristic music. Sometimes it is more metal ("Ruumiinmultaa"), sometimes more melancholic (like a great song "Synkka") and sometimes the music turns into more merry fields. So Finns are giving us again more or less the same. There is nothing innovative here, but if somebody likes their previous works he should also like "Manala" (if, as me, hadn't listen to their every album though). Especially that this merry side of their music is now a smaller part, and that's very good in my opinion. And by the way the album is sung only in finnish - I really like that. Finnish language fits such music much more than english. I also appreciate how much this music is filled with traditional folk music of this region - it is so original that you can't mistake it with any other.
Some people say that Korpiklaani is a one, big joke with this merry singing about alcohol and other silly stuff. Yet first of all - that's just one side of the coin. More melancholic tunes are alwas important part of every Korpiklaani's album. And secondly - I think that what Korpiklaani is doing is in 100% authentic. The music recorded for this album is clearly played by people who love doing what they're doing. They claim that they are not pagans, yet their band is more "pagan" than many other true Heathen, Kvlt and Evil Hordes. Paganism is an affirmation of life, both this happier and sadder sides. And on "Manala" the band shows it again. Maybe it is not as good as the genius debut album "Spirit of the Forest", yet it s still quite nice.

Rate: 6+/10
Vladyka

P.S
I could rate it on 7/10 if not those two first tracks, which are horrible.

A videoclip to "Rauta" single:

Tracklist:

1. Kunnia

2. Tuonelan Tuvilla

3. Rauta

4. Ruumiinmultaa 

5. Petoeläimen Kuola 

6. Synkkä 

7. Ievan Polkka 

8. Husky-Sledge 

9. Dolorous 

10.Uni

11. Metsälle 

12. Sumussa Hämärän Aamun 

Total time: 45:48

Ereb Altor - "Fire Meets Ice" (2013)

Ereb Altor

"Fire Meets Ice"

Cyclone Empire

2013

Ereb Altor is hailing from Sweden, they have lyrics about vikings and norse mythology and plays epic viking metal. Guess what is their main inspiration than, hehe.
Yes, as you might already know it is Bathory. Everyone who love such the epic albums as "Hammerheart", "Blood On Ice" or "Nordland" will defenitely know what to expect from "Fire Meets Ice". I must admit that I was a bit sceptical while I was turining on my music player containing this album for the first time. But as the music was flowing I realized that it is not just a lame immitation of Quarthon's genius. Sure, all those choirs, pathos and riffing (especially in the first tracks) can be associated with Bathory. Even the clean vocals have a bit something to do with it. By the way, they are so damn heroic and poignant that listenning to them is a pure pleasure. If a vocalist is performing his skills in some other bands, than I will defenitely check them out.
But returning to Ereb Altor - so from one side we have a Bathory fascination, but from the other side Ereb Altor has also it's own spirit. Much of it. First of all it sounds that Ereb Altor in the past was more inlfuenced by doom metal. Thera are quite many slow, heavy riffs that can be associated only with this style of playing. It is also obvious that the creativeness of swedes is inspired by black metal - it can be heard in harsh vocals, as well as in some riffs and blast beats like in a track "Helheimsfard" or purely black metal "Post Ragnarok". There are also more nostalgic moments, with a big usage of acoustic guitars like in "Sacrifice", "Our Legacy" and especially "The Deceiver Shall Repent". They very much reminds me the traditional epic songs from Scandinavia and British Islands. And what can I say - they flow very fast, giving a listener a great portion of viking metal. The music is complemented by a good production and the amazing cover artwork and layout. A pure feast for the eyes.
Put it all together - "Fire Meets Ice" is a highly listenable piece of music. This mixture of many mentioned influences gives us a high octane music, which should be like a fuel for all those who love epicness in metal.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

A lyric-video for "Nifelheim":

Tracklist:

1. Fire Meets Ice

2. The Chosen Ones

3. Nifelheim 

4. My Ravens

5. Sacrifice

6. Helheimsfard

7. The Deceiver Shall Repent

8. Post Ragnarok

9. Our Legacy

Fever Ray - "Fever Ray" (2009)

Fever Ray

"Fever Ray"

Rabid Recs.

2009

Okay, once again I will write here something about music from the outside of metal world. But this time I must also admit that I am not a specialist in this genre, hehe. I am talking about Fever Ray - the solo side-project of Karin from The Knife. And as long as I am not a fan of mentioned band (duo, or whatever) I became a big fan of this project.
And how looks the creativeness of Fever Ray? Well, it's an electronic music - but not very heavy, I would say that's quite easy in listenning and quite melancholic. Some songs are more sad (like the first "If I Had a Heart" or "Concrete Walls") while some are more optimistic (like e.g. "Seven"). But I'd say that every is more or less melancholic, and maybe even a bit decadent. The music is not very complicated, but it has such an unique atmosphere that it draws you in 'till the first song... Well, maybe it's not unique in 100%, because it's of course influenced by Karin's main band, but her solo stuff is much better and contains more emotions - that's count for me more than some weird, meaningless tunes. Fever Ray successfully writes songs that outwardly have no power, no outstanding melodies or anything like that - but they are easy to remember even after a first listenning. Maybe it's because of a great voice of Karin, maybe because of characteristic calm tunes of each song but still - the feeling of loneliness is so overwhelming that I am sure I will listen to this album very often.
So to write it straight - the music is very good. Maybe it's not revolutionery or something like that but it has it's own soul. Defenitely something that I can recommend with all my heart.

Rate: 9/10
Vladyka

P.S
And by the way - the single "If I Had a Heart" was a theme song for "Vikings" series. You can count that I will write my review of this show very soon.

Clip for "If I Had a Heart":

Tracklist:

1. If I Had a Heart

2. When I Grow Up

3. Dry and Dusty

4. Seven

5. Triangle Walks

6. Concrete Walls

7. Now's The Only Time I Know

8. I'm Not Done

9. Keep The Streets Empty For Me

10. Coconut

Caladan Brood - "Echeos of Battle" (2013)

Caladan Brood
"Echeos of Battle"

Northern Silence Prod.

2013

Caladan Brood was formed in 2008 in Salt Lake City, and "Echeos..." is their debut album.
This album can be described in a few words - "epic", "atmosperic" and "majestic". You can also simply call the main object of musicians' inspiration  - Summoning. Inspiration, not a rip-off. Music of Americans is in my opinion calmer, and it has much more folkish and ambient elements. Also as Summoning Caladan Brood guys are fascinated by fantasy novels (in this case Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson). This specific, "fantasy" atmosphere fills every track - from the most majestic "Wild Autumn Wind" to more dramatic "A Voice Born of Stone and Dust", or nostalgic "To Walk the Ashes of Dead Empires ". It's not easy though to describe this music. Every track is very long (at least 9 minutes), and is filled with many relishes, like beautiful men's clean vocals or typically heavy-metal guitar solos. All these things easily paint dreams of vast landscapes full of mountains, lakes and castles. Maybe it's overwritten, but this album is something like Lord of the Rings' soundtrack, just in metal version.
To sum this up: this is an awesome album. For everyone who likes epicness in music I have a message: get this album immediately. It's defenitely worth your time.

Rate: 9/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:
1.  City of Azure Fire
2. Echoes of Battle
3. Wild Autumn Wind
4. To Walk the Ashes of Dead Empires
5. A Voice Born of Stone and Dust
6. Book of the Fallen