Search - Emperor :: Hordanes Land

Devastating beginning for Enslaved

Scott Waisman | New York, NY United States | 08/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to focus this review entirely on the Enslaved portion of this release, although the four Emperor tunes are crucial as well in the understanding of that band's developement.After a number of demos (including Yggdrasil, available as a split cd with an early Satyricon demo), on this cd lies the first official release from the Enslaved camp, recorded in 1992 for Candlelight Records. From the 13-minute opening track, SLAGET I SKOGEN BORTENFOR (the Battle in the Forest Beyond), the vision of the band is established: long, dirge-like songs; screeching, angry vocals; fast, relentless drumming, prominent, repetitive guitar riffing, and consistent use of driving synths blended into the mix. In spite of the long song length, this tune motors along at a very fast pace, consistently interesting and often powerful. There are a number of breaks in the song when the pace slackens and a wave of guitar noise washes over the mix, but the drums inevitably kick back in and the horse continues on its furious path. The 8-minute second track (ALLFATHIR ODHINN / Allfather Oden) is a reworked tune from the Yggdrasil demo. It's consistently faster than the opening track, and the intense moment when the banshee vocals break into the song for the first time is undeniably powerful. The tune does tend to bog down with a repetitive, slightly uninteresting guitar riff, backed by atmospheric synth, but overall it maintains its energy and power throughout.Unlike the driving fury of the first two tracks, the 10-minute finale, BALFOR (Journey by Fire), is more of a mid-paced epic. The mood captured on this tune is not as evil, more even-tempered and cautious. Personally it captures the feeling of a hike through the forests of Norway, on the way to battle. Unusually pretty keyboard and synth work throughout this song give it more of a classical or folk feel. While I don't find it as interesting as the first two tracks, it is still a highly ambitious undertaking for a band on their debut release.Overall, the Enslaved half of Hordanes Land is a must for Enslaved fans and an excellent purchase for those looking to explore some of the earliest roots of the Norwegian black metal scene. Like all releases by this band, this is serious, intelligent metal, intended to be listening to repeatedly and carefully. It's not for everyone for sure, but if you "get it", you're in for an amazing discovery."

The album "Hordanes Land" is proved to be one of the most br

Scott Waisman | 08/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album "Hordanes Land" is proved to be one of the most brutal black metal albums available, yet still is one of the most symphonic and musically complex. The first track opens up with high guitar, almost sounding like feedback, and then the listener hears a horrid, bloodcurdling scream, and the song kicks up to a thundering, deafening roar of sheer speed, and high pitched screaming. While some people may not care for the screaming, anyone would enjoy the symphonic break that slows down to a "normal speed," yet not loosing any elements that makes this song outstanding. Although Emperor remains to be "often imitated, never equaled," Enslaved is a contender to be the equal. The first track, "Slaget I Kogen Bortenfor" opens up with a haunting mix of low and high harmonic choir voices, the thundering bass kicks up and the lightning speed Trym Torson, mixed with the ear-pearcing screams of Earl Gruttle make this song possible one of the best in Black Metal. As the thirteen minute and eleven second "black metal symphony" comes to a close, a clap of thunder buries the music and the fade-out of the song as if the band was drifting out to sea into a storm. Enslaved not only pioneered Black Metal but instead created a stand alone category of "Viking Metal," as if the listener was on a Viking ship during a storm. In conclusion, the album is a stand alone and has become a stand alone is this category of music. Submitted by animal899@neo.rr.com"

Get it, get it, get it

Chet Fakir | DC | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fantastic black metal tracks from Emperor, among the best they've ever done despite the somewhat primative recording. Plus some great metal from my favorite angry vikings Enslaved. Both bands provide complex and deeply moving tracks though this recording is the first thing both bands officially released. The intensity and darkness that these guys create is palpable and any fan of black metal, especially the early days of the Norwegian scene should have this album. Both bands went on to greater things but this is an excellent beginning."