Band: BLACK MESSIAH
Country: Germany
Title: Walls of Vanaheim
Label: Trollzorn Records
Year: 2017
Style: Viking Pagan Metal

Review:
After 4 albums on AFM Records here we have Black Messiah switching to Trollzorn for the release of their 7th full-length opus, which is at least an interesting change for the Viking Metal sextet I'd say, one that marks their 25th anniversary. The new album features 15 (!) new tracks sung in both English and German languages and is more than 70 minutes long, so a serious journey followed by stories about Odin and other Nordic gods. The narrations between tracks are an excellent addition enhancing the overall atmosphere and actually introducing the listener into the atmosphere. Some tracks have a more symphonic, even Epic Power Metal-like side, while others are rougher, complementing the abrasive vocal tone of Zagan, which is your main companion throughout these stories. A fun, catchy, expressive and involving album from these veterans of the scene, one that doesn't necessarily bring anything new or innovative, but one that acts like a musical book for its fans and delivers exactly what they expect to get, nothing less, nothing more. A Metal audio book about Odin, that's what Walls of Vanaheim is, and if the presentation (booklet, complete artwork, lyrics, and the rest) is as expressive (I only have a promo copy here, so I couldn't say), we have a winner!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8.5/10

Contact:
facebook.com/BlackMessiah666
trollzorn.de