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Jotenheim's self-titled release is probably the coolest and most crushing EP ever made. Because this band is from Italy, I thought their music would be very tacky because most of the bands that I have heard from that country have been terribly silly and boring (thanks, Rhapsody!). When I first put this in and the first track "Skullcrusher" started, I was a little worried by the long and tiresome rainfall opening that they could've left out. Once that's over, the song kicks your head in with crushing riffs, catchy bass lines, and thunderous drum beats.

This is the first Italian Epic Metal release I've heard, and I have to say that I'm incredibly impressed. Italian bands in this rawer breed of Heavy Metal are very similar to their Greek brothers. For an EP, this is very impressive and the musicianship is first-rate. The production is raw and in my opinion I think that gives the album a better mood. The vocals are very catchy and reminiscent to Tann of Ironsword (if you're familiar with them, you'll probably know what to expect in this EP).

The best tracks on this album are The Dog of Ulster (probably one of the coolest tracks ever written with incredibly catchy riffs and vocals), Hyborian Dreams (a very pleasing acoustic interlude from the heavy rawness of the rest of the album), and the amazing cover of the Manilla Road classic Queen of the Black Coast. I'd give this a higher score, but I think the first and third tracks are good, but they're not up to bar with The Dog of Ulster and the last track.

Recommended!