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“Gylfaginning” is this one-man project’s debut album. Comparisons to Falkenbach are many. If Falkenbach is the established Viking metal band, then Oakenshield is its younger, less accomplished brother. With only a demo released previously to this disc, there is plenty of time for this creation to make a name of its own. I also hear traits that remind me of Amorphis a tad too. Anything from folk, pagan, Viking, and black metal is noticeable, just depends on how you interpret it yourself.
The music for the most part is mid to fast-paced and includes non-traditional metal instruments such as flutes and violins, as well as mystical keys and choral chants. Choruses are fun to listen to and easy to get into. Melodic riffs are all over this CD, and several are quite appealing to the listener. On the mic, Ben uses black and death style vocals as the main lyrical presenters, more of the former than the latter. Drums seem to be programmed on this release, and I’m not a fan of the sort. I understand the limitations and situations why they are used in composition, and here they aren’t too bad. But it always leaves a thought in the back of my head on how much more of a rich sound would this have had if real drums were used.
For the most part, the composition is at least decent, stretching into the good category at times. However there are parts that it sounds like something is missing, which probably could be fixed with some more drum fills, or even more atmosphere or keys. It would also help break up the album a bit more too as parts in multiple songs sound similar to each other. The quiet atmospheric parts are a nice change of pace, but seem to lose the energy and flow. If a bit more energy was provided I think these pace changers would be a bit more inviting, otherwise I personally would like to hear less of them, and more of the choral chants and epic charged riffs.
Don’t get me wrong, it might sound like there is much to improve on this album, but it really isn’t all that bad, especially since this is the first album. Give Ben some time to develop his storytelling of Norse tales. We could all be in for a treat in the future.
Rating: 73
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins