Review by Krys on July 3, 2002.

Since their last album, “Afterlife”, Nocturnal Rites seem to be kicking their career into a higher gear. The addition of vocalist Jonny Lindqvist, improved lyrics, a heavier sound and flowing harmonious arrangements made this Swedish sextet one of the best power metal bands to come out of this musically inclined country. The very successful predecessor only increased my cravings for “Shadowland” and what can I say? After two years of anticipation I have only two words: it rocks.

My high hopes were answered with first strokes of the guitars. Thundering power metal with catchy melodies, tuneful choruses, short but tasteful solos and outstanding vocals are everything any heavy metal fan can ask for. But Nocturnal Rites doesn’t stop here, with heavy guitar sound and more overall American power (read: Nevermore-like ass-kicking) they blast through the speakers with so much energy that hundreds of ‘Helloween clones’ can only dream of. The opening energy burst in ‘Eyes Of The Dead’ and ‘Shadowland’ are a great example of what’s to come, with the title track simply being a killer. (Side note: My cohort just asked me ‘Have I been listening to this same track for the last two hours?’) Since most of you know my ‘problems’ with repetitive listenings, it might not serve its purpose but at least it shows how addictive this stuff is. Compact, heavy riffs accompanied by a galloping rhythm section, just perfect dose of keyboards and great vocal lines make “Shadowland” one of the most intelligent and captivating releases in its genre. Even mid tempo tracks like ‘Invincible’ or ‘Underworld’ keep the listener captivated despite being slightly less entertaining than typical Nocturnal Rites up tempo tracks.

Thanks to a great production by Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad, Darkane) at Dug-Out Studio the sound of Nocturnal Rites has matured substantially. Dense and clear guitars and heavy overall sound creates one of the most intense and energetic albums in its genre, which is something I think is lacking in most of today’s power metal bands. The biggest shortcoming of “Shadowland” is originality, but great musical ideas, freshness and a simple joy of playing will make that issue mute.

Bottom Line: Those guys are due for a breakthrough and if “Shadowland” won’t do it I don’t know what will. Everything you can ask from a power/heavy metal band is here and then some. In two word sentences: Great album. It rocks. Buy it.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 10
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Review by Allan on April 14, 2002.

Since the beginning, Enslaved have always been about musical evolution. It wasn’t all about dancing around in Viking helmets while wielding battle-axes. It’s more than that. For them, it has been about keeping firm in their roots while “using old skills in new ways, and new skills in old ways”. Any fan of the band should have seen this album coming their way. Did you really think the band was going to remake albums like “Frost” or “Blodhemn” over and over? And why would you really want them to anyway? Sorry if it isn’t “metal” enough for you. The fact is, Enslaved are doing what they want to do, and they are ready to move on without you.

Continuing where they left off, Enslaved take the new era of their music that was “Mardraum” and progress with it, forming “Monumension”. It’s got that same atmosphere almost. It has that kind of heavy, yet warm and dark atmosphere surrounding it. Enslaved bring in so much more with this record though. Often you will run into hypnotizing passages of music, doomy guitar lines, or dark psychedelic moods that the band only hinted towards with “Mardraum”. Much like Neurosis in a sense, Enslaved have great song composing ability that brings in more than just one mood per song. It can be completely destructive with heaviness (No, this isn’t Cryptopsy... this heaviness is more focused on the atmosphere), or be intensely beautiful within the same song. The clean vocals are definitely used less sparingly than before. They are such an integral part of the song. Grutle Kjellson sounds better than ever before. His voice is like a rag soaked with emotion, and when he sings he is drenching it out onto you. Much like this is the guitar playing. Ivar Bjørnson and R. Kronheim play phenomenally. Not only are they skillful guitar players, they are both amazing musicians. There is in fact a difference, you know. They play those guitars like it’s a part of themselves. Drummer Dirge Rep does an amazing job. The removal of Harald Helgeson after “Eld” was the best move the band could make. Of course any Enslaved drummer will be compared to Trym Torson, but I honestly don’t know if he would have been better than Dirge Rep for this album. There isn’t anything about this album that I can find a flaw in. From the every aspect of the music itself to the band members, it’s a seamless package of Enslaved.

Bottom Line: While many fans will toss and turn at night in their beds wondering why Enslaved aren’t so “true” anymore, they don’t even know the meaning of the word, or the band. Where Enslaved goes from here is their choice, but for now, “Monumension” is monumental.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 10
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 10 out of 10