Raven Flight

Nomans Land falls approximately in the second tier of Viking metal bands.

They're not top shelf (though close) but they're very noteworthy, and manage to have a distinct sound for no easily discernable reason. Unfortunately, it seems that they had a minor change in bandmembers, and though I can't ascertain why this would make such a difference, it seems to have changed the face of the band. The music is now less unique. Still much remains of that hardy Russian Viking metal filled with folk essense via electric guitar and keyboard only.

Surely to the casual fan, it wouldn't seem a huge difference. Perhaps it's not, but I was very well taken with their sound before. It's a noticable change, but not really for better or worse.

All seems well, and up to par, except for this slight unoriginality that seems to found it's way into the music with the shift in bandmembers. The title track sounds like a song I've heard many times from many bands. The vocals are a step down from previous releases.

It's by no means a failure though. The drums still pump out jig-like, to blastastic beats. The guitars still churn out bittersweet, and grand anthems to the North. The keyboards still paint a huge cold backdrop to the music. The songs are mostly mid-paced, pagan opuses to victory and defeat.

Just shy of the mark compared to the last albums, but nonetheless, a robust piece of metal that will satisfy those with a need for a Viking metal fix.