Graveland - Dawn of Iron Blades

Graveland's blackened viking metal period started out with a blast, in the form of the monumental and majestic Dawn of Iron Blades. Inspired by Burzum as much as by Neraines, the first three albums of the saga each consist of epic riffs, textured melodic leads and glorious atmospheres that vividly depict stories of battle and/or folklore. While the core elements are the same, each album employs them in an original manner, developing its own identity built around, once again, the grandiose atmospheres the band manages to conjure seemingly effortlessly.

Dawn of Iron Blades is the most aggressive album of Graveland's blackened viking metal period. While there is still a fair share of slower melodic passages, there is also much more aggressive sections than usual. There are even some piercing banshee wails that supplement Rob's signature dry rasp. The production is absolutely superb. It is crisp and clear, not too raw but not too clean either - just right. The synths are blended in smoothly with the guitars, drums, and vocals. There is great equilibrium found in the sound of Dawn of Iron Blades, and it is flawless both as a standalone album and as continuation of Graveland's illustrious career.

If you are a Graveland fan, you should already own this. If you are new to the band, this is a great album to start with. Dawn of Iron Blades can appeal to many types of black metal fans. Those into epic, atmospheric, and brutal will completely love this record. Therefore, this release is strongly recommended to pretty much everyone. Graveland captures the spirit of ancient ways in a way no other band can.

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