Album Review: Brothers Of Metal - Emblas Saga
Reviewed by Carl Black
When you get the chance to review an eight piece Viking metal band it’s difficult to say no. Excuse me while I get my drinking horn, crossbow and furry boots. These guys are on the Viking tip neck deep, let’s see if its Game of Thrones or Dungeons and Dragons (the crap 80’s cartoon, not the RPG).
I’ve heard a bit of Viking metal in my time but none has really wanted me to run around the woods with bearskin clothes on, wielding hammers and basically pillaging anything that moves. But on hearing the first two songs from Emblas Saga, 'Powersnake' and 'Hel' I was transported to a Viking longboat. The rhythmic chants in both songs set the scene nicely. This is the format of the album. At the core of Brothers of Metal is a power/thrash band with an atmospheric keyboard that give the songs and album context. In this case, Celtic sound effects such as tin whistles and indigenous music layered over the top. The singers bind it all together with the male/female one, two and we have a Viking celebration that would befit Up Helly Aa.
I’m not sure, but I believe there is a concept to this album. Crossing treacherous seas, fighting giants, telling stories of old by the fire and lots of mentions of Valhalla and mead. Its all a bit daft but good fun none the less. In fact there is so much mention of “the Gods” I thought I was listening to a Christian rock album. As you move through the album we have a few dramatic points such as in 'Theft of the Hammer'. It almost plays out like a musical, and maybe this is an avenue that they could explore. If they do they would have to drop relatively conventional songs like 'Chain Breaker' and 'One'.
But unfortunately for the Brothers of Metal, I can’t shake the feeling that they may be offered a lot of money to represent a Scandinavian country at Eurovision, and they’ll take the cash , score "nil points" and disappear . The Eurovision have a nasty habit of having a token metal band since Lordi first broke the mold. These guys would fit the bill perfectly.
More cartoon than HBO hit series. I’ve wiped the foam from my beard and I’ve put the drinking horn in the dishwasher. Always good to be a Viking once in a while but please stay away from Eurovision if ever given the chance!
Brothers Of Metal release 'Emblas Saga' on January 10th via AFM Records.
