IN BATTLE are a Swedish black and death metal band who also take elements of thrash metal as well into the music they play and record. All four members hail from Sundsvall, Västernorrland in Northern Sweden and have been active during the 1990's and 2000's with a slight change in the lineup in the later years. However they came to release their debut self-titled album "IN BATTLE" in the year of 1997 which then was followed up by their second album "THE RAGE OF NORTHMEN" in 1998. Their second album "THE RAGE OF THE NORTHMEN" was reissued this year with two additional tracks which are both live versions of the songs "From The Flesh And The Bones Of Our Enemies" and "The Rage Of The Northmen".

The first track, "From The Flesh And The Bones Of Our Enemies" is a long track, roughly 4 mins or so, the song packs a punch with furious drumming, roaring guitar and screaming vocals that could be seen as demonic. The interlude sections are for more stylistic guitars and quick cymbal hits combined with dark heavy bass tones. "The Rage Of The Northmen" starts off with a moderate tempo but then the full arrangement comes in pounding with power, texture and delivers with the band's full potential. "The Spectre Of Hate" carries on from the previous track but the synthetic background noise hails the proximity of the guitar and drums.

"The Conqueror" is no exception but the ending of the song does provide a breakdown section for each instrument to become more vocal and prominent in the mix. "The Destroyer Of Souls" has a guitar solo that is astonishing before the piano/keyboard plays a short classical motif going into the next track. "Muspelheim The Dominion Of The Flame" and "Storms Of War", provide the continuity we have heard plus how consistent the band can be from the commitment and motivation they possess for recording this album. Even the song titles and rampage of each instrument mixed together can certainly give the themes of war, conflict and lyrics referring to Norse mythology too. The last two tracks on this album, "Armies Of The Northern Realm" and "Endless War" are both fairly similar and share the musical aspects of pulsating guitar lines and vocals that really do speak for themself.

I would conclude to say that this band is very talented, energetic and eager in breaking boundaries in the black/death metal genre. But the real question we should ask is can this band deliver yet another album that could sound different to what we have heard now, or will the next release share similar qualities perhaps orchestrate everything in the same way. We shall have to wait in anticipation for what is yet to come!