Norway is actually more known for noisy Black Metal of all calibers, but traditional heavy metal does not really seem to happen there. HJALLARHORN, already formed in 1993, put to sleep soon after and reformed in 2004 after an eleven years hiatus now go for your ears to show how Norwegian metal really sounds like.

The Norwegians certainly do not really care for innovations on their debut album „Iron clad soldiers“ with all it's elements of classical metal. Instead they write songs that draw their influences from the 80s Bay Area scene and the proud British heavy sound from the pioneer era of heavy metal. Following three demos who caused a big buzz in the underground, time is right for a full length album that purely smokes to be unleashed upon mankind.

The riffing shows an obvious Bay Area reference, even though the compositions are more than just straight, hard driving thunder in the best North American style. The musician’s technical and personal maturity leads to thoughtfully composed and arranged pieces of music, showing next to their sheer merciless power a sense for catchy melodies from the guitar section, which culminate within acoustical interludes. These are very glorious and delightful moments many established acts were proud of. Fresh blood that gets back the power to the already slightly over aged scene.

„Iron clad soldiers“ shows a fresh Norwegian band dedicated to a really orthodox brew with Bay Area thrash and NWoBHM as ingrediences, but also with such an amazing natural feel. HJALLARHORN will surely cause much attention among old and young followers of the true doctrine.