Week 4, Nomans Land

   Nomans Land are a viking metal outfit from St Petersburg, Russia. They formed in the mid-nineties and released their debut album in 2000. Nomans Land are the one band I always think of when I ask myself what really good viking metal group I can recommend to somebody that they've probably never heard of. Their music is generally pretty upbeat and positive sounding, as viking metal goes. There are baritone choruses along with the harsh vocals. The riffs are clear, catchy, and easily distinguishable. Additionally, many songs feature chipper little interludes that sound like something straight out of a Legend of Zelda soundtrack. This really is, in same way as a band like Korpiklaani, what you could think of as "happy metal". If you need high levels of aggression, hatred, and darkness in your metal, you will probably not like Nomans Land.

   2005's Hammerfrost, the band's second full-length release, was my introduction to their music. It's still my favorite entry in their catalog, and one of my personal favorite viking metal albums period. The album opener Lord of the Seas is an excellent example of their sound at its absolute best, and it's one of the catchiest metal songs you'll ever hear.

   Noman's Land have released a total of four albums to date (Last Son of the Fjord, Hammerfrost, Raven Flight, and Farnord) along with a demo and a split with Thrudvangar. Their material is generally all enjoyable, but I'd personally recommend starting with Hammerfrost if you think they sound like a band you might find interesting.

   So, for their fun-spirited take on viking adventures, Nomans Land are my metal band of the week.