It has been too many long years since we last heard from Canadian Pagan/Viking/Black Metal master SIG:AR:TYR, but this year sees Daemonskald back with a much awaited fourth full-length album "Northen" and band members to boot. And after just one listen, you'll realise that this album was worth every single second of that six year wait. Whilst picking up seamlessly from where "Godsaga" left off, "Northen" has managed to take this root and to grow from it, amalgamating a unique sound that sees SIG:AR:TYR setting off in a groundbreaking new directions. One aspect that I have always loved about SIG:AR:TYR's music is the timelessness that is so flawlessly capture. Added to this is the rich tapestry of sound woven through the use of a host of different influences, ranging from Folk to grand Black Metal strains. And indeed, "Northen" is no exception.

Starting off with the sound of ocean waves, we are soon swept off our feet as "Helluland" comes crashing in, whilst gravelly vocals swirl around, completely captivating you with the Viking tales of discovery from a thousand years ago. The upbeat and almost dreamy guitarwork on "Crownless" allows these Viking influences (and Daemonskald's musical prowess) to come to the fore. In contrast, "Runarmal" takes on darker and more soulful atmospheres, interspersed by searingly beautiful melodies. Things get taken down a notch on "Markland (The Hammer Fades)", with introspective melodies setting a slower pace. "Skraeling" marks the pinnacle of the album, and carries on in this sombre vein, albeit with intricate and stirring accoustics woven in. "Krossanes" on the other hand takes these accoustic intricacies to a completely new and frantic level, adding a faster pace that strikes you with the tempestuous force of a whirlwind, and leaves you breathless at their fragile beauty. "Vinland" reintroduces the lighter and more Folky aspects of the band, weaving a scintillating web of gripping soundscapes. Taking the penultimate spot is the title song, rife with the one final adventure before the setting of the sun. This leads up to and culminates with the final song "Last Ship Sails", which epitomises a yearning that becomes all the keener as you realise you've reached the end of the journey.

Lasting just over an hour, "Northen" is a heady blend of epic moments interspersed with. Viking influences have been honed and whittled to perfection, resulting in an album that can only be described as exception in light of its contemporaries. Perhaps my one gripe here is that the guitars seem to dominate the songs slightly too much, especially on the first song. Whilst SIG:AR:TYR are undeniably a guitar driven band, this seems to diminish the impact of the vocals and other instruments slightly too much.

What we have here is certainly a crowning jewel in SIG:AR:TYR's discography. Indeed, this may be their strongest album to date, which, considering we're talking about SIG:AR:TYR here, is really saying something. "Northen" is not one to be missed!