SCALD first released this album in 1997, and despite it being their first and last, it has remained at the forefront of consciousness' in the world of Epic Doom Metal. Every element, the dreamy riffs, Lo-Fi, reverbed instruments, a barrage of powerful vocals and the vast mythical landscape that the album creates, all culminate to create an epic behemoth of sonic joy. A Viking Skald spun great and dramatic stories and poems about their king, and this album can most certainly be described as great and poetic, I can only assume they spelt Skald with a C because they brought the HEAT.

It fills me with a similar feeling to that of BATHORY's "Nordland" albums, soaring over huge expanses of snow and rocky mountains. It has the uplifting grandness of a soundtrack to a warm evening in Valhalla, whilst constantly flirting with the bitter darkness of Helheim. Each song is its own epic poem, tinged with a multitude of production aspects and musical nuances that work seamlessly together to create an odyssey of sounds. The drums, guitar and bass work as one to create a dense sound, made dreamy and wondrous by the reverb and various hints of synth and strings, whilst the vocals are always delivered with an intense unbridled passion I haven't experienced since WARNING's "Watching from a Distance."

Hear the mighty guitars sing and wail in "Ragnaradi Eve," embracing all manner of pitches and tones, with the straightforward, drum accompaniment and vocals on the higher pitch side of the spectrum. The depth of every song is accentuated through the ringing church bells, crashing waves and plethora of musical segments. Scald rush nothing, every hit feels purposeful but also effortless, they know the exact vibe they're trying to capture and each decision made only steers them closer to that vibe. "A Tumulus" despite being the shortest track on the album (still six minutes) is filled with some of the most interesting sonic experiences on the record. The airy flute that dances over the deep tone of the guitars, a full range of vocals being used, upping the passion even further. The Tom rolls on the drums sound amazing and adds a darkness to the drums not previously seen, and the guitar supplies many a riff and solo.

The album is consistent in its quality of production and song writing. Carrying with it an air of eloquent decadence that is still yet to be matched to the same standard. It's the kind of album you put on and engrosses you instantly, drawing you in to it's mythical world. It has been a wonderful accompaniment to my Skyrim sessions, but it also demands your full attention to truly experience everything it has to offer.