Sagas of Iceland - The History of the Vikings - Volume I

Sagas Of Iceland... I admit, not nearly as groundbreaking as their next release, Miklagard, but it's getting there. I feel that it is necessary to admit that Miklagard is one of my favorite albums of all time, and Sagas Of Iceland, the first part of the Viking Trilogy, does a good job as Miklagard's predecessor.

I am still surprised none of Rebellion's albums have more than one review so far on this site. They are an amazing band, and I have to strongly recommend any one of their releases. However, let me go on with my review.

Firstly, I need to commend Michael Seifert's vocals. I really don't think he gets the credit he deserves as a vocalist. He has a large range, a perfect singing voice to create that "Viking" atmosphere, and most importantly... he seems to be able to really draw in his listener and keep their attention. His voice never gets boring, and is always almost... commanding. Personally, I think he fits the band perfectly, and does a better job than I could ever see anyone else do.

Guitarwork? Nothing to complain about, and definitely a lot to praise. The riffage is extremely well done, catchy and heavy at the same time. I've heard some complaints about the songs having similar riffs? Nah, I disagree. Perhaps a bit of a similarity can be heard, but each song is definitely fresh and original. Solos, although less of them than on other Rebellion albums, they're still flawless like always. I never would've expected differently.

Drums seem to keep an even pounding rhythm throughout all songs, and it may seem a bit repetitive at times, but I'm not complaining. It works well, and in fact, I'd go as far as to say I'm quite fond of the steady percussion.

Production is clearer than on previous Rebellion releases, and doesn't seem to have that "rawness" that other albums always seemed to have. Again, it's a little different, but not necessarily bad. That nice crunchy effect is still there, but the whole albums seems to be done a bit heavier. I like the change.

Very well done, nice catchy choruses, amazing songwriting... and I'm glad to finally see another power metal band with that "power" again. Thrashy, catchy, powerful, and epic, this album has it all. Let's just hope that Rebellion's third installment in the trilogy will be as impressive as the first two.

-Marcin C.