Sometimes, what we call Viking/Pagan Metal can be really boring. It's a matter of how many bands are doing the same thing again and again, without noticing that some elements are eroded by the excessive use. But on the work of SKÁLMÖLD from Iceland is not conventional, as their latest album, called "Sorgir", is here to prove. Since their latest release, "Vögguvísur Yggdrasils", the contrast between aggressive parts created by the harsh vocal tunes with the deep melodies of the instrumental parts improved, as their technical work is better after two years. But their main identity is untouched, what means a lot on these times. And it's still difficult to label their work in a strict way, because Death Metal, Black Metal and Thrash Metal elements can be heard along the charming Pagan melodies (reinforced in some moments by the keyboards' presence). Yes, it's truly good and catchy.

To build a sound quality for "Sorgir" was a hard work, because council the aggressiveness of their music with the melodies is not so easy. But it's very good, clear in the due way, but keeping the harsh tunes on the chord session (guitars and bass guitar). It seems that they didn't make infinite editions of the recordings, because all is sounding fresh and alive, instead of those pasteurized sound qualities of many bands.

All their nine songs are truly excellent, because the composition process seems to be done in a very spontaneous way. But "Ljósið" and "Sverðið" with its contrasts of melodies from NWOBHM on guitars and harsh vocals tunes (with some clean ones in some parts); the Thrash Metal approach on "Brúnin", the melancholic and aggressive tempos of "Barnið" (where a thunderous work from bass guitar and drums is heard), the catchy melodies that are created by guitars on "Gangári" and "Mara" are the best ones. But don't dare to think that the bonus track "Höndin Sem Veggina Klórar" is an expandable song, for it's amazing.

"Sorgir" is another step that gives SKÁLMÖLD on the path to become a milestone in Pagan/Viking Metal.