Year: 1998
Total Time: 39:37 
Label: Osmose Productions

Not wanting to be twisted or so, I believe that when a band has a respectful name in its area, it’s only logical for us to have great expectations from it. And we have to. The pioneers of Viking Black Metal, well, are here with their fourth campaign. How much are they up to those high expectations?

Well, their drakkar continues to the route they chose from the beginning of their journey, but the continuous course on familiar waters, makes this journey less adventurous. And “adventure” is the body of the Viking spirit, as we, the modern people see it through the books. I cannot say that they made a bad album. Gruttle and his “sea-terrorists” give us slow/epic parts and stormy Black Metal rapines (more this time) in similar quantities, having fun at the boredom of their trip with songs that compete with the eerie voice of a DRAUGAR threatening below water, as also with marching Viking paeans that, this time, are better worked than ever. Like a regular orchestra. But still, soon enough I see them crushing on the reefs of self-repeat …

Some should probably think the Quorthon-ic lesson which says that many gigs kill good inspiration.

Rating: 6,5/10
Editor: Tolis Giovanitis
Translation/Rendering in English: Tasos Varelas
Related Link: ENSLAVED – Official Page

P.S. The initial publication of this review was in the Greek METAL HAMMER Magazine – Issue No166 – February 1998.