Metal Reviews

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Even though this was on my AoTY list for 2011, I realize that I have no lasting appeal to repeat this album. The main reason I scored it 79 / 100 (last year I would have given this 86-88 / 100 probably) is that the album is self-plagiarism, it's like they tried to do Heading Northe again instead of trying to evolve from it. To a certain degree they succeed but it gets repetitive quickly (think Running Wild's Masquerade trying to copy previous album Black Hand Inn, except in RW's case it completely failed, where this album is still very enjoyable IMHO, just quickly forgotten given the choice to return to the best of the two) album, and doesn't sound either fresh nor engaging compared to the nuclear bomb that Heading Northe was. So on it's own the album stands on it's feet (and would Heading Northe had never been made, would probably get a deserved 8X/100, at least from me), it's put together against Heading Northe that it crumbles. I still find it to be strong and if you like more of the same you might actually like it better than either of our score will reflect. I just wanted my score to underscore the fact that Stormwarrior can indeed do better and that I'm now unsure this had a place in my 2011's list (since I didn't listen to it since compiling it). Maybe a re-listen is in order though ...

I´m not necessarily advocating development, plagiarism is OK if they do it properly. This is bland and extremely uninspiring.

When I heard Heading Northe I was blown away and knew the next album would be a step down. I think heading Northe is their peak album. I just feel like anything after that album (this included) will either be "good" or forgettable.

Like I said I would need a re-listen, a couple of months back when I thought I'd review it I still thought it was solid...

True, I listened to some of the songs on Youtube and this sounds weaker and less inspired than their previous efforts. IMO all Stormwarrior records to date are cool but I personally always preferred their countrymen Rebellion ( amazing History of the Vikings trilogy ) when it comes to viking themed heavy power metal.

Yeah, Rebellion are amazing.

What wrecked the album for me is the production. While its crystal clear, itsway too "poppy" for me. You have these "killer" riffs, that just just lose their power and energy from how its produced. Yeah, its sounds very similiar to their earlier works, but with a heavy sound I could deal with it. How this one sounds, I cant.