Nordland
is a mighty double album, two hours of spirited nostalgic lore and
viking aggression without a weak spot. All from the same recording
session and with little distinction between its two halves, it is simply
an epic musical output by an inspired musician finding new ground.
That's an important point to linger on, it would be all to easy to
describe this as a return to roots. Although it has the spirit of a
Hammerheart, or Twilight Of The Gods, this is a rather forward thinking
pair of albums, refining and rebuilding the chemistry that defines it,
introducing new elements along the way too.
With
keyboard synths and cultural instruments, stringed and woodwind, the
symphonic aspect feels fleshed out and spirited acting as the sail for
many melodies to carry the music forth alongside the swells of male
heathen choirs and metallic force. Its never a glum affair, much of the
atmospheres conjured have might and pride, an uplift sailing against
winds and rain. The harsher realities of ancient rural life trumped by
the glory of natures unforgiving beauty and human life among it.
Each
song feels poignant in its narrative, gleaming melodies swell, riding
into shifts of tone. Guitars, synths and choral voices interchange to
hold over lengthy songs with excitement. Quorthon sings with one of his
fairest performances given his authentic singing, which is challenged.
He utilizes his strengths, not straining and often refraining with a
spoken word temperament that electrifies the many choral arrangements
that proceed him. Where songs of old were driven by fresh ideas, this
collection really explores whats possible with more musical involvement
on all fronts.
The
metallic element is a keen one too. His rhythm guitars are initially
more of a backing element but with Dragons Breath and a couple numbers
or Nordland II, he delivers some bouts of cunning aggression that
triumph over anything from the Trash Metal era and meld so well with
otherwise melody oriented music. The lead guitars are a blessing too,
not only peaking with rampant shredding solos but hitting bold with
striking metallic melodies into the songs at regular intervals.
To
summarize, this is undoubtedly revisiting his Viking Metal glory days
but with such a refreshing attitude. These songs are given so much love
and care that they come to life on a new level with deeply involved song
writing. Better sound design and use of instruments outside the norm
flesh out its theme well. Strides are made on all fronts however
thumbing over the tracks again one by one, Ive got to say it does feel
as if the more rhythm guitar driven songs end up on the second album. It
has the darker charm with a more aggressive temperament. Its been a fun
journey and this is one heck of a note to end on, even if it was sadly
not planed as so. It will always be a curiosity to think what might of followed but great to know he found his way again after a patchy series of albums.
Rating: 7/10