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Is there a theoretical limit to the number of ways to tell the story of the Norse gods? I'm fairly certain that there is not. Not that that's a bad thing, mind you. With its heroes, swords, villains, and betrayal all culminating with the destruction of the world (by a giant snake!), it is a story MADE for Heavy Metal. What could be better? Germany's Rebellion began telling the tale of Odin and his collection of dysfunctional friends and family, along with other stories of Viking lore, on 2005's Sagas of Iceland. The arc continued through 2007's Miklagard – The History of the Vikings Volume II and concludes with the album reviewed here, 2009's Arise: From Ginnungagap to Ragnaroek – The History of the Vikings Volume III (don't think I'm ever writing that full title again!)

Since the story should be well known to any self-respecting metalhead, let me move on to the music. Dark and crushingly heavy Power Metal is the style on Arise. I think of the style, if not the speed, of Wizard's Odin album mixed with the pace and vocal delivery of Sabaton and the dark atmosphere of most of the blackened Viking Metal bands. And did I already mention crushingly heavy? The bass and drums on Arise are physically as well as sonically present. Played loud enough (highly recommended) they will reach out of the speakers and stave in your rib cage. If you need to turn it down slightly (the neighbors 6 houses down are threatening to call the police) you'll simply have to chase your speakers around the room as they vibrate with the music. Tracks like "Odin" capture the essence of Arise with Michael Seifert's low growly, yet understandable, vocals and the awesome soloing of guitarists Uwe Lulis and Simone Wenzel. There are some slower pieces which serve to refresh rather than interrupt. Arise sounds like a raging battle between good and evil, mirroring the ebb and flow of the conflict. There is some notable "sameness" to the songs, mostly in structure and key, and that hurts a bit. Sometimes only the chorus reminds you that the songs have changed, but that is minor when the album is taken as a whole.

I found Arise… an excellent departure from the "happy" Power Metal formula. It is highly recommended to anyone looking to expand their horizons, admirably bridging the gap between Power and Viking Metal. Fans of either genre should find something to like. Oh, and some of the coolest cover art ever! Move over Into Glory Ride!!