• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Please allow me to cut directly to the chase, this album is a total, complete masterwork of Viking Metal greatness. There, now that I've gotten that out of my system, let's begin. For those who may not be aware, from a biographical standpoint Crom is the brainchild of former Dark Fortress guitarist/bassist Walter "Crom" Grosse. Crom, along with fellow Dark Fortress band mates V. Santura (Guitars) and Seraph (Drums) deliver a brand of Viking Metal that is so varied, so full of melody and vocal harmonies that it is absolutely sick! The closest reference point that I can conjure would be that it is representative of a modern day Bathory of the Nordland era in terms of its epic atmosphere.

As far as tempo goes, there are a variety of speeds that are employed throughout the album, from fast paced thundering riffs to mid-tempo driving rhythms to epic slower acoustic guitar elements; this album features it all, which accounts for the beauty that is Vengeance. You could listen to this album from dusk to dawn without a break and you would never be bored.

Lending further to the storied atmosphere is the utter emotion and passion that is exhibited in Crom's crystal clear vocals as he cries out the hymns of the battlefield. Moreover, the frequent use of choirs lends itself to creating an uplifting level of emotion to the songs, while the guitars bellow a classic sharp heavy metal tone.

For those who yearn for real epic metal, look no further than Crom's Vengeance, certainly one of the most awe-inspiring and dynamic releases of the past couple of years, a masterpiece that belongs not only in a metal collection, but would serve as an essential piece of any true collector's musical catalog.