Review: Nothgard - Warhorns of Midgard | |||||||
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Warhorns of Midgard | |||||||
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Label: Black Bards Entertainment Year released: 2011 Duration: 55:51 Tracks: 12 Genre: Pagan Metal Rating: Review online: June 27, 2012 Reviewed by: Christopher Foley |
Readers' Rating How do you rate this release? Rated 3.71/5 (74.29%) (7 Votes)
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Review | |||||||
I've been really quite surprised over how much I enjoy this album. It's difficult to actually peg Nothgard's sound, and while there is a definite folk metal slant (which had me worried at first) there are also elements of pagan, melodic death/black and even power metal throughout. I'd say take Kiuas in their fresh prime, mixed in with equal parts Kalmah, Suidakra and Amon Amarth, and we're talking Nothgard's language. Whilst Nothgard can, and do pile on the folk parts at various points throughout the album, they never forget about quality riffs, not to mention excellent lead guitar playing and some genuinely awesome themes. The vocals are fairly unspectacular growls clearly cut from the same cloth as Norther, Skyfire, etc but they're hardly offensive and the music is so happening that they tend not to be the focal point. The production is very clean-cut, and the album sounds big – everything has been mixed well although as is often the case with modern production the bass loses its way somewhat. Across Warhorns of Midgard Nothgard maintain a quality that really keeps up from opening to closing. However there are definitely some standouts amongst the sea of similar quality. For one the opening track "Lex Talionis" is an awesome cruncher and sounds like it could have fit right in on Kiuas' Spirit of Ukko. "Under the Serpent Sign" is probably my favorite track here, which is strange as it is particularly folky in its melody. The verse however is absolute power metal magic, with quality orchestral accents and rings out as slightly nostalgic to me, reminding me of the hypercharged bands I used to get a load of enjoyment out of. The title track is another particularly power metal-influenced number, and another highlight. Each of the tracks here boasts something of merit, and while they are all of a similar quality, that quality is a damn good one. There is undoubtedly a lot going on in Warhorns of Midgard but it is all good fun and definitely well done. I've found myself spinning this album a fair bit and I've definitely developed a soft spot for it. Fans of any of the bands I've mentioned in this review are going to absolutely adore this album, and I hope Nothgard get the recognition they deserve. Recommended. |
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More about Nothgard... | |||||||
Review: Warhorns of Midgard (reviewed by Sargon the Terrible) | |||||||
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