I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this release, as the only other Einherjer material I had heard was "Dragons Of The North" (the album which preceded this, and which I have loved), and the abortion which followed this EP, "Odin Owns Ye All". As it turns out, this 3 track EP ("Far Far North", "Naar Hammeren Heves", and "Naar Aftensolen Rinner" for those who care to know) falls pretty much into the middle ground one would expect, and as such, is neither as brilliant as "Dragons..", nor as awful as "Odin...". For the most part, I feel the songs themselves fall into the general framework provided by "Dragons..." (mid paced viking-rock/metal affairs with a folky edge), but unfortunately the execution sometimes comes a bit too close to the material on "Odin..." (wankerous clean "power metal" styled vocals and an over-emphasis on melodic leads)...still, it's nowhere near as nauseating. The title track itself is probably the weakest of all three, with it's "happy" sounding rhythm and overuse of chorus vocals (which were nowhere near the level of quality of those found on "Dragons..."), but the two remaining tracks fare a lot better - perhaps this is because they're actually quite old in comparison (being re-recordings of tracks the band had originally released on a single back in 1994) ? Regardless, my general opinion of this EP is that it's a worthwhile purchase for those who liked the bands previous output (not counting their "Aurora Borealis" mCD, which not having heard I really can't draw comparisons to), although the polished nature of the sound presented here might be a bit too sterile for some. One thing that does thankfully remain gritty are the vocals of Rune Bjelland - this sadly is one of the key ingredients I found lacking in the bands releases after his departure (at least, I assume he left - either that or someone decided to clamp some vice grips on his testicles) and without his distinct gravel-laced singing, Einherjer became a very very pale shadow of it's former self...

© 1999 chorazaim