Formed in 2009, after a debut album in 2010 (“Beggar’s Song”), the Italian act Icethrone releases its second album, titled “See you in Valhall”. The band’s musical direction can be placed within the viking/pagan/death metal area (the first significant influence coming in my mind is Amon Amarth, even in Algiz’s vocals), but in my opinion Icethrone has reached a more mature approach during this period, giving now their valuable contribute to that genre with a great personal touch. After an atmospheric intro we get straight at the Icethrone musical world, so “From the Sea” is a tough, strong song which contains all the typical viking death elements merged in a convincing result. “The Plague” and “Pleasure of Hel” keep the feeling with their powerful and melodic sections, with good deviations from the main theme, something which makes the songs more interesting. “Red Giant Slayer” starts with a quiet acoustic guitar intro, then the song explodes with a crashing cavalcade pulverizing everything on its way. An album highlight. Discreet keyboards embellish the songs architecture here and there, something useful and functional. “No Sacrifice no Glory” starts with an epic overture, then again the song transforms itself, with powerful sections returning to an epic, melodic chorus and again a blast beating passage. An inspired song, like the following, and more atmospheric “Fearless”, an ominous progression with nice keys. One of my favourites. The title track is another fast, devastating track with epic moments, an Icethrone trademark at its best. The acoustic, instrumental “Farewell” is the right way to end this part of the journey (even if the limited edition contains the fantastic “Cursed by the Varg” bonus track), a journey I’m looking forward to continue…can’t wait for the next episod Record Label: Masterpiece Style: Death Metal