Nordheim is the debut album of these Viking warriors but we’re far from dealing with musicians who are new to the scene. Gjallarhorn is partially the offspring of the Italian epic Viking metal band DoomSword and the original idea of two friends (the Norwegian Fenrir and Vali from DoomSword). The band aimed for a lyrical concept revolving around a phase in history that changed our lands, The Old Europe, forever. Without shame Gjallarhorn proudly follow in the footsteps of great Viking bands like Bathory, Falkenbach and Amon Amarth.

Nordheim sounds exactly how you’d imagine it to sound; a mixture of Bathory and DoomSword and to be honest there’s nothing wrong with that. Gjallarhorn would make Quorthon (may he feast in Valhalla) proud. The production is authentic and honest and although it’s slightly lacking in power it doesn’t hurt the music in the least.

The original demo of Nordheim was recorded in just five days but due to the success of the demo, Dragonheart decided to release it. Naturally, the parts were rerecorded but the excellent vocals are still the original recordings from the demo. I am almost positive that we’re dealing here with Deathmaster from DoomSword since the vocals sound near identical.

If you are a fan of DoomSword you can buy this album blindly, it will not disappointment you and although this isn’t Bathory, nor does it bring back Quorthon, I implore you to check this album out because Nordheim is the next best thing. You won’t hear anything new or groundbreaking, just good and honest Viking metal.