Over the years the German label Black Bards has become in some way a stronghold of the local Pagan Metal scene. For example ADORNED BROOD – one of the first acts of this style – found a save haven for their second musical era and DYRATHOR is another interesting act heading towards Valhalla. The band has been founded in 2006 and in spite of only one underground demo DYRATHOR are in the position to show the so called German elite how modern Pagan Metal should sound. So don’t expect any kind of Hammerheart & Sons release, the young combo is far more influenced by their / our local Metal scene. So every fan of bands like FINSTERFORST and EQUILIBRIUM will sheet tears if it comes to “Sacred Walcraft Of Hel" and the remaining Paganheads should convince the dynamic songwriting and a handful of fantastic tracks. The album starts with a short spoken introduction into the world of DYRATHOR before the tales of bloody battles and pagan desires are told. I have to admit that I’ve listened to this release for quite a while before summarizing my impressions here but with every turn the album grows. Especially tracks like the opener ‘Memories In Frost’ or the killer track ‘Und Ewig Rinnt Das Blut’ are born for the repeat button on my Discman. DYRATHOR’s debut is in every sense of the word a more than impressing release from a band which has the potential to kick some ass if it comes to the established German Pagan Metal scene. For further info: www.black-bards.de, www.myspace.com/dyrathor