The Classic Metal Album Review:
Title: In the Sign of the Ravens
Artist: Mithotyn
Label: Invasion Records
Release Date: 1997

Rating: 5 Skulls
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    • Lugubrious's Review:
    In the distance, our next conquest is ahead. The waves are rough today, but through perseverance we reach our destination. The sea breeze is rushing through my hair, the taste of salt is on my lips. A small smile appears on my lips, this is what I live for. The rush of war, the power, the respect they shall all give this mighty Viking. Soon the battle will begin, and I am ready for a war like no other. Around me is chaos, the organized kind, yelling, cursing, some of our own men fighting with each other. Yet somehow we all have bonded together to reach our goal of conquest. Let the slaying begin, the world is ours.

    Years ago a band called Mithotyn existed. Somehow these four men were able to create a sound that made one feel as if they really were going to battle. The first album was called In the Sign of the Ravens, and it was on this album that the sound of Viking metal was captured flawlessly. Simply close your eyes and be taken on the journey, as if you were taken back to a time when the women were still wenches, the ale flowed freely, and you took what was yours, with no apologies.

    The album opens with the sound of waves crashing onto shore. Instantly you are catapulted to a faraway place, and you feel this sensation of power. Clean vocals, usually chanting, and Black Metal screeches make you reminisce on what those days were like, sailing on the great blue sea, pillaging town after town. As expected, the music is often mid-paced, full of head banging riffs, intricate melodies, and well, full on Viking metal, the way it should be done. Many songs start off with a strong folk sound, adding to the whole atmosphere. It’s almost like they took old songs from their homeland, and added some metal riffs and screams to it. Sadly not even they could top this on future albums, slowly losing interest in having the Viking theme as a predominant sound. Now they are no more, but we will always have the majestic In the Sign of the Ravens.
    5 out of 5

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