Out of Canada comes ICE VINLAND and their latest album "Asgard Steel". The Progressive / Power Metal band is, if you can't guess already, all about Vikings and Viking lore. This is the bands third full length release since their inception in 1997. The six-piece band is made up of Damian Leif on vocals, Richie Blacksmith on guitar and vocals, Loïss Darkstorm on guitar and vocals, Yvin Baldrick on bass, Wolf Fenrir on keys and Sven Raudi on drums.

The album begins with the track "Reign of Gods" which is an epic intro song that just builds up the mood of the album. The next track on the album is "Asgard's Hymn" which kicks in full force. This song is exactly what I expected to hear from the band. It definitely has some folk roots but it is truly power metal. This is like BLIND GUARDIAN for Viking lovers. So far this song is a whole lot of fun. I'm hoping the rest of the album is just as enjoyable.

"All Together" really shows the bands genre off. This song is fantastic and it will get you completely hyped! The guitars really shine through on this track. I think that if they toned back on the vocals a little bit, it would be a whole lot better though. I never think a band should put the vocals completely in the forefront, and that's coming from a vocalist. "Devilish Road" tones it down a little and is a little more on the melodic/Darker side. The song is really damn good though. It's very enjoyable.

"Patriots Song" is just as epic as the second song. It's definitely for fans of Power Metal. I would highly recommend picking it up if you are into bands like BLIND GUARDIAN and ICED EARTH. "The Greek Present" is the second longest song on the album. This one is more like a Power Metal ballad than anything. This song really kicks ass and I will be listening to it for quite a while to come. The rest of the album is truly epic and very fun. I really had a great time listening to it and will be adding it to my playlist for sure! Great job guys!