Epic Metal concept album Tales From The North was originally released back in 1999 on Nuclear Blast, and Metal Mind Productions has now re-released a digitally remastered, limited edition version of the Italian Power Metal Band White Skull's album. White Skull has released many albums during their career most recently The Ring Of The Ancients in 2006.
Speed filled guitar riffs and drumming abound on Tales From The North, blending Federica "sister" de Boni's vocals with those of Chris Boltendahl, singer with the metal band Grave Digger. The guitar performances being the highlight of the album, but I can't say I'm a huge fan of Federica's vocals, as at times I didn't find them agreeable. Starting with the short instrumental "The Quest", the brisk "Tales From The North" follows, most of the remaining tracks maintain this level of energy; another brief instrumental "Still Alive" closes proceedings.
Tales From The North isn't a groundbreaking metal album; this is my first taste of their material so I can't fairly compare White Skull to other similar bands, especially without hearing their more recent albums with a different vocalist. Age is slightly against this one, being a re-release Tales From The North is starting to show signs of its origins, but this is still a pleasing release if you enjoy hearing well structured Epic Metal.
Track listing:
1. The Quest (Intro)
2. Tales From The North
3. Asgard
4. Gods Of The Sea
5. Viking's Tomb
6. Kriemhild Story
7. The Killing Queen
8. The Terrific Slaughter
9. Horant
10. Fighting And Feasting
11. Here We Are
12. Still Alive (Outro)
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