Ereb Altor – Nattramn (2015)

Featuring Crister Olsson and Daniel Bryntse of Isole, Ereb Altor delivers a Viking infused Epic Doom Metal that is very distinctive and enjoyable in nature. As the band’s fifth full-length release, “Nattram” shows great maturity for the band and clearly showcases the well-polished chops this group of musicians has developed over the years.

After a warm-up instrumental, the band brings forth their best Epic Doom Metal skills with the intoxicating “Midsommarblot”. Just imagine Tyr-meets-Candlemass and this is something similar to what you will get with this highly atmospheric and melodic piece. In terms of headbanging, “Nattramn” is the perfect piece to do this with its crushing harsh vocals and killer drumming. We greatly enjoy that the band moves from a heavy song into a more melodic and Epic one in a nearly seamless fashion as we can see with the transition to another epic anthem titled “The Dance of Elves”.

Almost being straight up Viking Metal, “Dark Waters” is one of the heaviest tracks in this release with harsh vocals and a very upbeat tempo. The atmospheric elements make this piece quite unique and enjoyable, making it one of our favorite tracks in this release alongside the epic “Across The Giant’s Blood”, a piece that has a very timeless sound and a memorably melodic presence.

Closing with the dramatic “The Nemesis Of Frei”, we are left wanting more. The band greatly manages to bridge Epic Doom Metal with Viking Metal and comes up with very unique music in “Nattramn”. If you like melodic and melancholic tracks that have outburst of heaviness, and great Doom riffs, look no further and pick up a copy of this album.

Label: Cyclone Empire

Release: April 24th, 2015

Genre: Epic/Viking Doom Metal

Country: Sweden