Review by Adam M on August 18, 2013.

This is a good piece of Viking Metal where there are other influences such as flutes that make an appearance to liven up the atmosphere. Every song on this album by Warseid sounds different and traverses through sections that cross Folk music then Black Metal to a seamless degree.

The song diversity is such that every song sounds different from the next and even though there are only 4 songs a very developed and complete product is given at the end of the road. I enjoyed the track 'Farewell' the most. It clocks in at just over 10 minutes and features a nice mixture of acoustics and a relaxed atmosphere that is an effective way to finish the album. The vocals alternate between sung portions, which complement the Folk parts of the disc and harsh vocals that complement the Black Metal parts of it. There are very few moments where there is a let down in quality and everything is quite consistently great overall. There are albums by Ulver in their earlier moments such as "Kveldssanger" that have more interesting moments, but there is plenty to enjoy regardless on this disc.

For fans of Folk and Viking Metal "Where Fates Lies Unbound" is one to check out for certain.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by JD on March 2, 2009.

Viking metal certainly has become a amazing sort of movement in the Metal world as of late. I was not quick to jump on the bandwagon when I first started to hear it coming out quite awhile ago, wanting to see how it would start to grow and what it had to offer. I happen to now be a pretty big fan, and I have found a band that really does this sort of thing better than most out there.

Hailing from the small country of the Netherlands, Myrkvar come forth to ride their longboats of metal with swords held high, rape and plunder every stage that they play upon and leave you bloodied and laying on the ground while leaving with their ill gotten gains in their clutches. They do this so well... that I must take the time to throw them a proper salute.

On to the music... The guitars are dense as rock, and heavy enough to be almost Black Metal stirring while the pretty folk parts that lilt out everywhere seem to easily intertwine with the bombastic nature of the band. Those two opposing sort of sides of the band just adds in it's own brand of power while the growling vocals spew forth it's message with a fire unmatched. Despite these lyrics being in a different language than my normal speech, I was still so very transfixed by the sheer power the band exudes.

If you can over look the language barrier, and just enjoy the force of the music as it warps out of the speakers... give Myrkvar a try. The heaviness mixing with the shades of prettiness will win you over... the beast like power will keep you transfixed on the spot.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10