Hammer Horde Under the Mighty Oath
by Justain Gaines
Staff Writer
The warriors descended, hammers held high and screaming their dedication to Odin, from the frost-covered plains of …Toledo, Ohio? When in Hell did Middle America become home to epic Viking metal? Well, you can’t say the boys in Hammer Horde don’t take it seriously. With their grim, bearded demeanors, black outfits (complete with animal skins and capes) and Thor’s hammer pendants, they certainly look the part of modern day Vikings. Does the music on their debut album Under the Mighty Oath hold up to their European brethren? Read on.
Under the Mighty Oath is a black/death/pagan metal hybrid that recalls the titans of the genre, owing much to bands like Amon Amarth (naturally), Ensiferium, and, to some extent, Turisas and even Borknagar and Children of Bodom (sans keyboards). As soon as the obligatory instrumental introductory track concludes, the album launches into a series of blood-drenched odes to battle and glory that seamlessly weave crushing death metal heaviness, blistering black metal ferocity and pagan metal melodies and instrumentals. Most of the songs on Under the Mighty Oath feature harsh, screamed vocals, but the occasional clean vocals add diversity and make you think of Vintersorg trading vocal lines with Alexi Laiho! The lyrics to these battle anthems are positively crammed with Norse lore, and they reflect just how dedicated Hammer Horde is to authenticity and the true spirit of their chosen form of metal.
You can’t help but raise a toast (preferably a tankard of mead) to Hammer Horde for embracing this distinctly European style of metal so enthusiastically, while at the same time putting their own stamp on it. If you’re a fan of Viking and/or pagan metal, you would do well to give Under the Mighty Oath a listen. If songs like “Pierced By Odin’s Spear,” “Triumph of Sword and Shield,” and the nine-minute epic “Seafarer” aren’t enough to convince you that Hammer Horde is the real deal, you may want to turn in your war hammer.
Online: www.myspace.com/hammerhorde
Lineup:
Tom Sturniolo – Vocals
Ryan Mininger – Guitars
Derik Smith – Guitars/Vocals
Ben McGeorge – Bass
Jayson Cessna – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Storm of Pagan Skies
2. Pierced By Odin’s Spear
3. Under the Mighty Oath
4. In the Name of Winter’s Wrath
5. Howl of Himinbjorg
6. Farewell To the Fallen
7. Triumph of Sword and Shield
8. Through Celestial Seascapes
9. Of Legends and Lore
10. Seafarer
HRH Rating: 7.5/10