I have to use this quote from Wikipedia: BROTHERS OF METAL are a Swedish Power Metal band from Falun, formed in 2012. The band's visual style and lyrics are inspired by Vikings and Norse Mythology, and are often purposefully over-the-top. I couldn’t have put it any better myself. In all those years of their existence they have been able to give us two albums, knowingly “Prophecy Of Ragnarök” in 2017 and “Emblas Saga” in 2020. Now, another four years later it is time for me to brave their version of True Metal for the very first time. I am doing that while listening to their third album “Fimbulvinter”. And like I said, the description that Wikipedia gives us is bloody accurate.

BROTHERS OF METAL will undoubtedly appeal to the fans of SABATON, but also to those that prefer STRATOVARIUS and such. But you will also get some Folk Metal on “Rivers of Gold”, or Angela Gossow era ARCH ENEMY influences on “Beserkir”. But on the whole, this is the Melodic Viking version of MANOWAR and SABATON with just about every sort of Metal thrown in when appropriate. And even though it goes over the top on a regular basis, I just can’t stop listening to this. The main factor for this are the vocals. All three the voices are used at exactly the right moment, although I have to admit that Ylva Eriksson is the absolute star. She has a very good voice and is able to sing very masculine lines at least as good as any man could.

The music of BROTHERS OF METAL isn’t always top of the range. There are enough mediocre parts, but there also are very inspirational pieces. Even though that is the case, I do like listening to their tunes. The best song for me on “Fimbulvinter” is “Heart Of Stone”. I love the vocal lines and the interchanging of the voices. The most inspiring lyrics are those on “Rivers of Gold”, with good, exact and funny references to alcohol consumption and sexual adventures. For me BROTHERS OF METAL is a band that you need to give a chance. You might like it, you could hate it, but somehow you will be sure to hear parts that make you smile, give you pleasure and lift your spirit. But please, don’t take “Fimbulvinter” too seriously. This is to be enjoyed by those who wish to do so. I did, and still do.