It seems to me that there are more and more admirers of the Viking culture, the Viking Metal bands increase like icebergs in Nordic sea. That’s okay, if the quality is that high like in case of WOLFCHANT. Some cheerful and energetic melodies go together with melancholic lion-hearted pathos, reflected in heroic vocals and elegiac-massive riff cascades. The basis forms an ever twinkle-toed drum sound; samples of battles or raging thunderstorms contribute to the authentic conveyance of this Bavarian quintet’s pugnacious intention. The band photos show the members posing in the woods with a Thor’s hammer around their necks. The lyrics’ subjects are obvious - song titles like Of Honour And Pride must not be explained I think. Although WOLFCHANT are one of many followers, the compositions sound fresh and captivating. Not every melody is outstanding, but WOLFCHANT achieve part-time successes, like the ingenious galloping Mourning Red remembering of Mithotyn or Black Messiah or the danceable measure at the beginning of Of Honour And Pride. Acoustic guitars set breathers in the right places, but they are at once displaced by harsh vocals and insistent rhythms, just listen to Ride To Ruhn or the elegiac Blood For Blood. Every now and then the keyboarder takes part, but for most of the parts the melodies act as intros.

So there is a lot to discover during the 13 songs, if one listens to the album persistently. Although the Bloody Tales From Disgraced Lands are not permanently of high class I can cognize really good approaches. The band has much time to develop a unique style, so I am looking forward to the next album.