Bathory

Forming in Sweden in 2003 by Mats and Ragnar of the doom metal metal band Isole, Ereb Altor have picked up the fallen torch from Quorthon (of legends Bathory) continuing the legacy and paying homage to the sounds and styles pioneered by Bathory in the latter half of their career whilst also forging their own path with a sound that incorporates elements of black metal, doom metal and folk metal. Eldens Boning is the latest release from the band and is a four song E.P. titled Eldens Boning. The four songs showcase the versatility of the band and sees them in typically rousing and epic form. The Twilight Ship opens the E.P. in colossal style being a mid-paced song with huge vocal lines and massive melodies and is a proper rousing piece of Viking metal. Following is the song that had my arm hairs standing on end and that is Fenrisulven which is an acoustic folk song. This song is absolutely gorgeous containing truly beautiful melodies and a spellbinding mix of violin and acoustic guitars. The title track follows and it is in a far more black metal style with dirty riffs throwing back to early Bathory and Celtic Frost with layers of epic synths and a mix of clean and harsh vocals. Another absolute blinder of a song which is guaranteed to get heads banging. Finishing off the E.P. is Sacrifice 2.0 which is catchy as hell with a great headbangable rhythm to it. Carries on the momentum of sounding massive and hugely epic.

In the Nightside Eclipse is the first studio album and fourth official release by Norwegian black metal band Emperor, released in 1994 through Candlelight Records. It was their only album to feature drummer Faust and one-time bassist Tchort. Considered a landmark in the black metal scene, the album has been ranked by critics as one of the most influential albums of the genre. It also contains some of Emperor's best known tracks, "I Am the Black Wizards" and "Inno a Satana". In 1998, the album was remastered and reissued, with two cover songs as bonus tracks: "A Fine Day to Die" by Bathory, and "Gypsy" by Mercyful Fate. For the reissue, the opening tracks "Intro" and "Into the Infinity of Thoughts" were combined, whilst the album was packaged in a paper slipcase covering the traditional jewel case, with both featuring the same artwork.

Their fans have long known that the 20 year music business veteran vikings of Månegarm are not afraid of developing their melodic pagan sound further. With their latest, self-titled album the band keeps true to course: Månegarm remains expressive and varied from the first note to the last. Once again the band around singer Erik Grawsiö shows just how much wicked fun powerful music can be. From Swedish folk ballads reminiscent of camp fires to wild and forceful black metal interludes, everything the metal sounds of the north are known for is represented. Those looking for the soundtrack to life as a seafaring warrior will get just the thing. And anyone remaining to be convinced will finally receive certainty: Odin owns ye all! Limited Editon Digipak incl. 2 Bonus Tracks ( “Mother Earth Father Thunder” featuring Jennie Tebler - sister of Quorthon/Bathory, Alan Nemtheanga (Primordial) & Mikael (Ereb Altor) )