YMIR'S BLOOD is a band who believes in taking things back to basics, while still producing an epic sound. BATHORY (circa the "Viking metal" era) is a strong influence here, and had me feeling nostalgia for BATHORY's music in the best possible way. The "Beerbarians" from Helsinki are here to take us into a world of warriors and battles.

"Unleasher - Beerbarian" opens with a slow, doomy melody. The shift to faster, reverb-filled riffs build up to the "beerbarians" unleashing themselves upon their enemies. The vocals reminded me of "Viking metal"-era BATHORY. The music also evokes that same era, with fuzzy blackened riffs. The BATHORY nostalgia continues with "1589"; the melancholy riffs, choir and pace reminded me of the track "One Rode to Asa Bay". Konsta gives a passionate vocal performance, and a defiant guitar solo.

Things slow down on "Vipuren Wisdom". The main riff is compelling, and the melancholy riff layered with a counter-melody adds pathos. Konsta gives a dynamic vocal performance, second only to that on "1589". The band really turns on an epic sound here, with powerful snares for emphasis. Things take a slightly different direction on "Origin of Iron", with Henu's powerful guttural growls replacing the Quorthon-like semi-growls. Crunchy guitar and bass riffs add to the heaviness. Jesse produces some interesting drum fills, but the cymbals sound somewhat muddy on this track. Teppo's bass is thunderous, and adds extra heft to the thick, doomy riffs in the second half of the track. A swirling solo pops up near the end, and a biting riff ends things off with a bang.

The cover of "Immigrant Song" by LED ZEPPELIN is an interesting choice, given the legendary status of the latter. While the cover is perhaps not as epic as the other tracks, the lyrical subjects and the pace suits the sound of YMIR'S BLOOD.

It's possible that being a big fan of BATHORY makes me biased in favour of this band, and that others may find this album's sound too derivative. But I think a point of agreement can be reached on how much fun this album is. May the reign of the Beerbarians continue.