On the surface, Börn Loka, the second album from Iceland’s Skálmöld, is a high energy, beer-soaked celebration of Viking heritage. Sing-along choruses (if you speak Icelandic) overlay hooky riffs and power-metal leads in a combination that is readily accessible to mainstream audiences. (The band recently played an all-ages show in Reykjavík that was heavily attended by the under-10 set.) Fortunately, triple guitars and primary vocalist Björgvin’s sandblast roars keep the sound heavier than what you get from folksters like Korpiklaani, even when the atmosphere of Viking fraternity threatens to turn into an Alestorm-level schtick.
Napalm Records
Paragon – Force of Destruction Review
Steel Druhm heard the cries for more power metal and now he’s running amok with power reviews! This time its Germany’s long toiling speedsters, Paragon. They put the “power” in power metal and Mr. Steel surely appreciates that since there’s quite a power shortage in his neck of the woods.
Ex Deo – Caligvla Review
Ex Deo’s Roman death metal makes a triumphant return and they brought that super-sick Caligula character with them. You just KNOW that guy can party!
Dust Bolt – Violent Demolition Review
Hop in your skull tank! Break out your brewskis! We’re back with more re-thrash in the shape of Kreator worshipping Dust Bolt!
Grave Digger – Home at Last EP Review
Grave Digger is back with a new EP. Seriously, this stuff is so rudimentary, it makes Accept sound like Dream Theater.
Mortillery – Murder Death Kill Review
With the third review in a week, AMG is now the unofficial home of retro thrash. Forward all complaints to SLAYER!!!
Ereb Altor – Gastrike Review
Ereb Altor is still struggling with Bathory obsession but this is a big changeup, right from their little Hammer Hearts.
Chaosweaver – Enter the Realm of the Doppelgänger Review
Another Finnish band worth hearing? Now they’re just getting greedy!
Vintersorg – Orkan Review
Last year when Vintersorg released Jordpuls I wasn’t expecting that 15 months later I’d be writing another review of a new Vintersorg record. But earlier this year, Matte Marklund (the guitar player) showed up on the Internetz and said something surprising: there was a new record on the way, right on the heals of Jordpuls, and it would be called Orkan which means “Hurricane.” And now that record is here…
Candlemass – Psalms for the Dead Review
What a long, strange trip it’s been, eh friends? That pretty much describes the career arc of the doom metal institution that is Candlemass. After a classic debut and three outstanding releases helmed by the mad monk Marcolin, Leif Edling’s doom troupe has watched their stock rise and fall enough to make the average trader leap to his death in abject frustration.