Rating: 9/10
Release: 10 September 2017
Label: SoundAge Productions

I have had the honor of reviewing the last 3 releases by Varang Nord and with each new release they get better and better and the latest release, “Call Of Battle” continues in that tradition. First off, this is not to be confused with the “Call Of Battle” EP released just before the beginning of the year. This is a full length of new material although 2 of 3 songs from the EP (“Call Of Battle” and “Brewer”) are on here along with 10 other tracks totaling 45 minutes of music. What makes them unique and distinct besides singing in their native Latvian is the use of the accordion throughout the album….which doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal. Sure, bands like Korpiklaani and Eikthyrnir amongst others use accordion in their tracks. What separates Varang Nord is that they are much more Viking metal based akin to Amon Amarth stylistically but then have the accordion added in. The overall vibe is darker and heavier and the accordion acts more like a 3rd guitar in the riffing department and has a dirge effect in the tracks. While Amon Amarth is always the “go to” band when describing Viking metal acts, I am not sure if that is a great comparison. It is the closest to come up with besides maybe someone like Midvinterblot from Sweden. I think Varang Nord tend to sound a little thrashier and folkier than AA so that is why the comparison is tough. The tracks tend to stay in the 3-4 minute range for the most part with the highlight for me being the mini-concept piece in the middle of the album (“Saga I” “Saga II” and “Saga III”) although not really stifling as far as “have to listen as a concept” piece. With Skyforger being Latvia’s most well-known folk metal export, there is no question that Varang Nord is climbing up the charts now as well. I think the only thing I would say is what makes them distinct could also be considered their Achilles heel…….the accordion. I am a fan of it so am OK with it being used so heavily but I could also see where it could be a little too much. I think the way they use it tends to make it seem not so accordiony if that makes sense. The tracks are solid across and not overwritten and overplayed….. solid across the board. It also has a better than average mix and production for being an indie with tight sounding instrumentation and vocals across the board.
Another great release from Varang Nord with my only complaint is that couldn’t they have come up with a different name for the album? If that’s the worst I could come up with then all is good with “Call Of Battle” the album.

Tracklist

1. Call of Battle
2. The Northmen
3. Saga I
4. Saga II
5. Saga III
6. False God
7. Beard
8. Mead Feast
9. Ale Warrior
10. Ale Brewer
11. Ragnarok
12. Revival