Northern Silence are introducing STRIDSMENN with the words that the spirit of the mid 90s is missing in today’s armada of new Black Metal releases especially if it comes to the new generation of Norwegian bands – a statement which I would sign with my own blood. STRIDSMENN are heading from Norske and the band is heavily inspired by the second wave of Norwegian Black Metal (without being musically too predictable) and the terminus “relict of glorious former times” is this time no exaggeration. Especially the use of the acoustic guitar is connecting the band with cult acts like BORKNAGAR or very early ULVER (the Head Not Found releases) and the nearly 40 minutes are like a trip to the black (and nowadays weak) roots of this style. The only matter which amazes me is the fact that half of the presented material has been released twice under the former band name AUSTKRIGAR. The three songs were originally released in 2005 as normal demo CD called “Saar… Boldvatn… Dod” and in 2006 the identical material was used for the split album with ALTUS ULTIONIS. So it’s definitely not the best idea – even if all three songs had been re-recorded for this release – to start a so called “new life” under the banner of STRIDSMENN if the only band member Arnjeir seems to be forced to use such old material. Nevertheless again a very good debut via Northern Silence and a proof that not all hope is lost for the once so pride Norwegian scene. www.northern-silence.com, www.stridsmenn.no