Einherjer
Norwegian Native Art
[Native North]


A more appropriate title could hardly be given here.

8 mostly mid-tempo tracks of symphonic, melodic metal. Call it Black Metal, Viking Metal, what have you, this epic release is the finest yet from these Gods of The North.

Relentless drumming (plenty of double bass for purists!), classically inspired riffs and more than a little keyboards coupled with flawless production will either make you love or hate this disc.

It took two listens for me, but after playing 'Burning Yggdrasil' and 'Crimson Rain' on 10, I'm giving this release an unrestrained "Hails!".

"Draconian Empire" and "Regicide" are heroic anthems - it's too bad it's almost summer & I can't listen to this with a midwinter's frost coming through the open window at midnight...

Plenty of story-telling here, sure to please any Asatru. More than vaguely reminiscent of Old Man's Child (I could swear I heard Galder in there somewhere!), this CD gets my vote as release of the year, thus far, far surpassing the former in both musicianship and production, with much more thought given to arrangement. One of very few discs I'll actually let play through completely without skipping a track!

After repeated sessions, I'm convinced, the Twilight of the Gods is upon us!

Leve Vikinganden!


© 2000 lorjef