Reading the band's name and looking at the cover artwork I was already aware of the musical content of the second album by SLEIPNIR. Now, really what can one possibly expect by a band named from Odin's eight legged horse? Nothing more than Pagan Metal with a touch of MANOWAR epic attitude. Fortunately, the "don't judge a book by its cover" rule found some space and became valid. First of all, I have to underline my surprise the moment I discovered that SLEIPNIR is band from the United Kingdom; don't get me wrong here but nowadays I am not that used of getting some different than Hard Rock from most of the new British bands. Nevertheless, SLEIPNIR is the brain child of two gentlemen who shared the same love for the Norse mythology and the Vikings' roundabouts.

The good thing and I dare to say different with "Bloodbrothers" is that it does not belong to the over-reproduced Viking Metal with the Black Metal finishing touches that sounds so boring and so unoriginal these days. Indeed, "Bloodbrothers" breathes some of the "Twilight Of The Gods" atmosphere that Quorthon created for all of us to enjoy. Just listen to "Warriors Of Thor" where the simple guitar riffs join the almost monotonous drum work and the harsh under produced vocals. This track made think of the massive "Home of Once Brave" by BATHORY where you could feel the cold see waves breaking against the Drekar's stern. OK, maybe I overdid here but honestly this a killer track despite the vocal choirs that sound a little bit out of place. "Once We Were Kings" shares the same blood with the aforementioned track and to my delight uses less choir melody meshing my warlike appetite during the end.

Also, you should not expect a over the top productions; Gardarika Musikk is not some multi-office label but it is dedicated to this music genre. After all this CD is sold for 6 euros and I do not known many releases that can beat this price. SLEIPNIR have music for the die hard fans of the music Quorthon introduced the Metal scene a decade ago.