Metal Maniac

Italian Pagan Death Metal band Icethrone was founded in Genoa in the year 2009. Since them the band has released two full-length albums, “Beggar’s Song” in 2010 and “See You in Valhall” in 2012. I have read on their Facebook page that Icethrone is already working on the band’s third album. Actually, re-reading the message (my Italian is still not that good), the band has finished the recordings, it seems, so, I’m very much looking forward to this. But, before, in order to give them some more deserved promotion, let’s talk about their sophomore album released in 2012, See You in Valhall.

This is indeed, in my modest view, a beautiful epic album, with that Pagan, Viking atmosphere during the entire album, but without the use of folk instrument, which, in my humble opinion, shows their competence in creating heathen mood like the old-school bands. It sounds triumphant, glorious and strong. All in all, I think this is a very valuable and engaging work. I’m really curious to hear how the band will “evolve” in their next release.

When it comes to the music, if I could talk about some sort of remembrance of other bands, perhaps a bit of Hypocrisy, Bathory and Amon Amarth, but, as I always like to point out, with their own style. The genre, as mentioned before, is death metal with Viking influences, something a bit unusual, of course there are other bands, but when we think about Viking Metal, the music itself and not “only” about the lyrics, generally it’s about Black Metal and in a few situations, also Power Metal. We have an atmospheric keyboard, melodic guitars, heavy bass and potent growling vocals. A pleasant album that I wish I had heard before.

About the “See You in Valhall” production, I have nothing to add, as it’s a fine work as well. So, please, if you enjoy their music, so what’s possible for you in order to support them, especially that a new album is about to come.

Promo kindly provided by Music-Solutions’ Agency Aosta.

Take care.

Grade: 9,0/10

Band: Icethrone

Album: See You in Valhall (2012)

Label: Black Tears of Death

Tracklist:

1. Intro
2. From the Sea
3. The Plague
4. Pleasure of Hel
5. Red Giant Slayer
6. My Sorrow
7. No Sacrifice No Glory
8. Fearless
9. Dream
10. See You in Valhall
11. Farewell

Icethrone is:

Seba Algiz – Vocals

Herian – Drums

Metheus – Guitars, Vocals

Vlaad – Keyboards

Hugin – Bass

Loke – Guitars

Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icethroneviking

All photos belong to their rightful owners.