Drakkars in the Mist

The international folk/Viking organization has reunited to produce their third opus, "Drakkars in the Mist."

If their second album, "By the Swords of my Father", was very good, it had, on a couple occasions, some Power Metal elements that needed to be eliminated .Well, this third outcome definitely solved that, for good I hope! On the other hand, the production here is not as refined and it is a bit muddy on occasion. I also noticed a slightly heavier approach with beefed up guitars and a rawer edge overall. To compensate this, and this is my favorite part, more acoustic guitars, nature samplings, flute and female vocals can be heard, to my folkloric pleasure. Less bombastic perhaps but more manly or savagely Viking is the overall approach taken by the multi-national horde. Fourteen tracks and three bonuses including a great song called "The Ridding of the Queen Boudiccea" which was included on "The Metal Message Volume IV."

Many great compositions to be enjoyed once again such as: "Before the Battle I Embrace" and "Hugin & Munin", but my vote goes for the numerous folksy/acoustic numbers like : "Hoplites Awaiting Command", "Hogtyd", "Great God Pan", "Midguard Farewell", "When Long Ships Arrive" and "Thunders of War" (reminiscent of "Carved in Stone").