From their EPK, “In the beginning there was nothing but cold. A force unknown to mankind lurked in the deep, icy caves of Orrekulle. The world was tormented by the insidious star and its followers and the lies of light, fire and life infested the earth. In the heart of Blekinge, where the sun could not reach, Fjalar built a frostbitten stronghold and began recruiting winter hailing soldiers for his army of cold. He recruited the four warlords Gjallar, Aurgelmir, Tizheruk and Skari and went on a war expedition to erase what should never have been at all. The force was now known as ISTAPP and the war that would engulf the world had just begun. When the cold winds sweeps over the earth and the screams echoes from the dying worshippers of the sun, it's too late for regret. Now is the time to choose side or suffer eternally.”

The album has ten songs. “Under Jökelisen” is first. It has a folky feeling to it, with folky rhythms and melody, of course, sandwiched under the filth of Black Metal. The whiter sound really comes out in the clean vocals, and it’s a stark contrast with Black Metal. “Grýla” is slower and darker, and the filth of Black Metal comes out strong. In the background, I swear I can hear animals or people being sacrificed. The previous folky elements have been replaced by traditional Black Metal. “Storm Av Is” brings some bright melodies back to the table, and the interplay of aggression and melody is one of the album’s best features. Best represented by the cleans in the chorus, they are easily able to temper the aggression.

The title track reverts back to the aggression once more, but it isn’t without melody. The guitars lay down a bouncy cadence, and the vocals shred over top of them. “Ragnarok” is supposed to signify the great battle that destroys the earth in Norse mythology, and the battle rages. There are some lighter and more melancholy tones, probably signifying the heartache that the end of the world comes with. “Istronens Furste” is heavier, darker, and faster, and the raw energy of Black Metal leads the way. The darkness slowly creeps across the land, marked by thick bass notes, until it covers everything. Towards the middle however, more melody comes through.

“Vinterkrig” closes the album, and it has a pretty piano lead-in, but cold winds howl in the background. That powerful rhythm in the verses could level the highest tower in the land…it is amazing. Overall, this was an excellent album that combined the raw grit and energy of Black Metal with melody, and even Folk elements at times. The band’s versatility and songwriting reflect a carefully planned out album not just about aggression, but there is plenty of that as well.