Viking Metallers, EREB ALTOR, is up on their way for the release of "Fire Meets Ice", with Cyclone Empire. Anyone who has read EREB ALTOR's biography or interviews will not doubt that they have a fierce dedication to sharing the stories of Norse mythology. This 9-track tour is no exception and takes the listener sequentially from the universe's birth to beyond the end of the universe (Ragnarok).

The title track, "Fire Meets Ice" sets the tone with an ethereal, yet folksy adagio keyboard opening. Creation does not come gently, so the change of tempo and ferocity, along with harsh vocals were quite effective in telling this part of the story. I offer kudos to Ragnar or Mats for the death rattle in this track. The story moves on through "The Chosen Ones" where the clear vocals were strong and supported. The effect of this song was dramatic. "Nifelheim" (the world of the dead) begins with a cantor calling to the lowest level of the universe, with a folksy acoustic guitar accompaniment. Harsh vocals eventually make an entrance, perhaps a god or demon calling out punishment for the newly dead.

"My Ravens" was the only track in which there seemed a vocal mismatch. Clear, strong vocals throughout would have been more effective. The preference would have been no harshness or growls at all in this track. Whoever sang more harshly on this track seemed to be really straining his voice, as well. Ouch. "Sacrifice" included a lovely folk-acoustic guitar opening. This track had the most discernible lyrics. "Helheimsfard" was a journey through the home of Hel, where Loki's daughter metes out a monstrous welcome to the old, diseased and any gods who might have happened to have entered. Like "Hotel California" they can check out anytime they like....you know the rest, dear reader. "The Deceiver Shall Repent" was another favored track with a very folksy feel and clear, admirable vocals. So, what happens after the end of the universe? "Post Ragnarok" addresses the horrors with very effective vocals. The album closes with "Our Legacy", which brings us back to an adagio commitment to the ancestors and the gods.

Overall, "Fire Meets Ice" offers brilliant instrumentation with a strict adherence to story progression. For this alone, this album should be no less than an 8 out of 10. Ragnar and Mats sing beautifully on the clear vocals, with only occasional strain on high notes. As I am not a fan of being overexposed to harsh or growling vocals, I would like to have heard less on this album. I was most appreciative of learning more about Norse mythology through this experience. Dear reader, if you would like more information, this proved an excellent resource: www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/norse/articles.html.