The year 2010 has shown once more that the glorious era of the pure Norwegian Black Metal is gone – I can’t really remember any outstanding album released within this year- but it seems that some record companies still welcome every Norwegian newcomer. On "Myths And Battles From The Path Beyond" THURS from Stavanger / Norway is offering a kind of musical return to the dark and atmospheric realms of the former Black Metal nation number one. The band’s debut after five years of existence – via Austrian based label Bloodred Horizon Records – is maybe summarizing all typical trademarks of this style but this can’t alter the fact that the release is lacking of really convincing material. The album starts with ‘Raise Your Sword’ (by far the best track of the release) and THURS are combining slightly AMON AMARTH tendencies with the soul of old EINHERJER releases. But this remains the only highlight! The final result after slightly over 40 minutes playing time is nothing more than average and predictable light grey Black Metal. If you really want to listen to a breathtaking debut please support a different candidate – the KAMPFAR debut from 1997 would be my preferred choice – because this release will only achieve high rankings if it comes to longest record title of 2010. More info at www.bloodred-horizon-records.com, www.myspace.com/thursband