"There one thing that never dies, glory for the man who can achieve it". That is one of the mostly powerful phrases that I have ever encountered while listening to Metal, and trust me that I have heard so many, especially in the MANOWARish sense that dares your hand to make a fist. So here we go out in the fields once again, bearing sword in hand, praising the gods that brought us enemies, meat and wine. That is the meaning of merry men fighting for the sake of splendor and adventure. The American band of warriors, ISENMOR, echoing from Maryland, came forth with swords drawn, laying down the grounds for Folklore tasting steel with Viking Metal. Six men strong, these guys wanted to achieve the glories that European bands have been fulfilling for while ever since the Folk / Viking Metal trend hit hard. Displaying their debut offering to the gods above, ISENMOR presented "Land Of The Setting Sun", a worthy EP for quick digestion right before a possible full length, which I assume that isn't far behind.

Whether sounding like the Dutch HEIDEVOLK, the Folkish tainted ELUVEITIE or the feverish harshness of ENSIFERUM, the whole shebang is there for the taking. I believe that musically, and it was in their benefit, ISENMOR knew where and how to draw the line between the extremity of Viking Metal and the atmospheric lines of Folk Metal, along with its following attributes. The end result turned to a gross battle between good and evil, victor against that defeated, epic battles to the side of wine and ale songs of joy. Yes that trend works alright. On the other hand, as much as the feel bestowed within songs such as combat ready fist of iron "Death Is a Fine Companion" and the dramatic sing along song of the mountain oriented "So Willingly Deceived", I couldn't really relate to the quality that the material generated. It was one of these times where it was hard for me to appreciate the guitar playing, which as rhythm was nice but as a lead instrument I believe that it could have played a part. The duel melodies of the violins, played well by the fiddlers, were quite nice, and even energetically driven in the soloing, yet at time annoying. The drumming frankly sounded like an ill-made programming other than a live drummer, apparently missing a few beats here and there. Lastly, the vocals often were less to be desired. I am not sure who took the leading role, as the entire band provided vocals, yet I am sure that the clean vocals didn't really pass the emotional motif that it should. At least the growls were strong enough, sometimes too much in the mix, and had the clean vocal line covered. I guess that the only way is up and I am certain that it would.

Behind the stories, chants and praises for freedom and fighting for glory, there is the music that looms above. ISENMOR learned and studied them all and although being one of many bands treading in this area of Metal music, they have been trying to show both cheeks, grim but also cheerful as possible. I think that there is more to it than what I witnessed on "Land Of The Setting Sun".