One of the many things I love about Metal is the diversity. Even within the genre's themselves bands can be very different. The genre in question here is Folk / Viking Metal. Bands like MOONSORROW, FALKENBACH and EINHERJER lean more towards a Black Metal influence, while bands like TYR, ENSIFERUM and KORPIKLAANI are much more in the style of Power Metal. SKALMOLD falls somewhere in the middle but leans more towards the power metal approach.

Hailing from Reykjavik, Iceland the term SKALMOLD is Icelandic for "Age Of War" or "Times Of Swords" says Bass player Snæbjörn Ragnarsson. Their second release "Börn Loka" released via Austria's Napalm Records is a tour de force. It is an incredibly solid release that should put them at the top of the Folk Metal genre. This record is incredibly deep. Each song is unique and breathes a new life into it. The second half is just as strong as the first, if not stronger. Not many bands release quality records from start to finish.

Even though all of the lyrics are written and sung in Icelandic it does not take away from the listening experience. In fact, I think it enhances it by giving it a traditional and authentic quality. Singer Björgvin Sigurðsson is an incredible talent and utilizes a lot of different types of vocals. He has the mandatory Black Metal scream (especially in the earth shattering "Hel"), the sit around a campfire voice that is always prominent in Folk Metal and of course a great melodic singing voice. His performance is one of the most enjoyable parts of "Börn Loka".

The trait that sets SKALMOLD apart from their peers is the thrash/speed metal influence that seeps into their sound. They also incorporate three guitar players to thicken up their sound. Throughout the record the band often breaks into incredible thrash riffs during the guitar solo sections. This is highlighted brilliantly in "Miðgarðsormur", "Fenrisúlfur", "Gleipnir" and "Váli". The highlight of the album is "Narfi". It is the perfect textbook example that every folk metal song should follow. A swinging 6/8 time signature, an insanely catchy chorus that you will sway your beer to, you'll make up gibberish to sing along and a guitar solo with sweeping arpeggio's that has to be heard. It has to be one of my favorite songs from last year.

The one negative quality of "Börn Loka" is the overall production value. The drums could be more layered and the rhythm guitar can stand to be brought up in the mix. On their next release they need to incorporate the talents of producers like Jacob Hansen, Hilli, Hiilesmaa or Peter Tatgren. This will be the missing ingredient that will launch SKALMOLD as leaders of the Folk/Viking metal movement.

If you are a fan of any of the above bands please do yourself a favor and pick up SKALMOLD'slatest release. This is my first experience listening to Skálmöld and I will be quickly hunting down their first release "Bladur". This band has everything a metal fan could want. Epic songwriting, top notch guitar playing that ranks up with the best in Folk Metal and a dynamic singer that makes for one of the best Folk Metal releases of 2012.