Some say three is a magical number. Perhaps this is true with SKILTRON. It's been three years since they have released a new album, and it seems something magical has taken place. Pioneers of Folk Metal in Argentina, SKILTRON have returned with a follow up of "The Highland Way" titled "Into the Battleground", an effort that will not disappoint fans. For Buenos Aires, Argentina based band SKILTRON, it all began in 2004 with a three track EP titled "Gathering the Clans". It wasn't until 2006 that they released their first full length album (the first ever Folk Metal album released in Argentina) "The Clans have United". They continued honing on their unique style releasing "Beheading the Liars" in 2008, then in 2010 with "The Highland Way".

2013 would bring the long awaited album "Into the Battleground". Having been a fan of SKILTRON since "The Clans Have United", I was eager to give this a listen. They had me hooked from the beginning to the very last note. One of the first things noted was just how much they had broadened their horizons. On "Into the Battleground", SKILTRON stays true to their unique sound, but have added new touches, new nuances to their sound and it is incredible. The album title is a perfect description to what lies within. Songs aren't a carbon copy of each other, but nicely varied. There are differed tempos from track to track, and even timing changes within the tracks themselves.

Opening with the "Brosnachadh", fans are given the first taste of just how great this album is going to be. March into battle with this short intro. As he had done in "Beheading the Liars", Seoras Wallace returns to bring a speech to get you ready for battle. The pipes, drums, and guitars kick off here and really take off in the second track. "Lion Rampant" and "The Swordmaker" are both heavy riff and solo filled songs, building up to the inspiring (and a favorite) "On The Trail Of David Ross". The drums and pipes in the beginning of this track get your blood pumping, and the song never lets up.

Hidden in about the middle of the album is something of a surprise for SKILTRON fans. "Besieged by Fire" is a bit of a speed folk metal gem, with the vocal styling of Javier Knario Compiano (Plan 4) at the lead. It's even described by SKILTRON as their most violent song they have ever done, and an apt description. "The Brave's Revenge" continues the hard and heavy tempo, holding the crescendo high at the center of the album with driving guitars and drums and soaring pipes.

The tempo is brought down a notch with the instrumental "Mearrsadh Air". Let's face it; sometimes instrumental tracks can be boring, and can tend to get skipped. This one didn't. It's fantastic even without vocals. Next up is the jewel "The Rabbit Who Wanted To Be A Wolf". The timing is a bit different, the sound as well, then the realization of another surprise. Jonne Järvellä from KORPIKLAANI, lends his vocals to this song adding an interesting twist to the sound of SKILTRON. "Loyal We Will Stand" brings even more differences, with the sounds themselves and vocals by Javier Yuchechen. The battle charge of "Prestonpans 1745" soon follows, leading to the somber closing instrumental track "Esbat".

I was hard pressed to find actual favorite tracks on this album. This one was a rarity where I actually really loved every single track, and in fact wished there were more. Never was I tempted to press skip and just move forward, but instead wanted to listen to it on repeat in its entirety. SKILTRON has grown as a band, they have remained true to their vision of their music yet have expanded on it and made a masterpiece with "Into the Battleground". With their feet firmly planted in the Folk Metal genre, SKILTRON have managed to add some bold new aspects to this album. An album packed with excellent guitar riffs, solos, drums, pipes, and more, "Into the Battleground" was definitely worth the three year wait. SKILTRON fans don your kilts, raise your swords, and get ready for the best SKILTRON album yet.