In the Sign of the Ravens [CD], Mithotyn, CD

After releasing four demo tapes, Mithotyn finally put out their first full-length album in 1997. "In the Sign of the Ravens" might not quite reach the heights of the band's later releases, but there's still plenty here to enjoy. The album delivers a hard, cold take on Viking Metal, and at this early stage the band hadn't yet fully embraced the stronger melodic elements that would become more prominent on later records. If you're already a fan of Viking or Black Metal, you'll know roughly what to expect: longer songs with some variation, harsh growled vocals balanced with cleaner chorus sections, and a strong sense of atmosphere. It's a familiar formula, but one that works well and captures what makes this style of music so enjoyable.