Just when you thought you've heard it all when it comes to heavy metal and all its varied influences and outside contributors, up strolls "Ragnarok" (No,nothing to do with Gwar), and totally boggles the mind! Brought to you by the same folks that produced such classic artists as Venom back in the day, Neat Metal resurfaces with the Eldethorn imprint and brings forth "Domgeorn," riding long into the night, bringing along new versions of previous attempts, four new tracks, and a multitude of guest players, traditional instruments, and a medieval ambiance that'll have you swearing you were born again in another time.

The closest I can come to relating "Ragnarok" to anything else I've heard is English metal/folk type outfit called Skyclad, and even they don't drive the dagger as hard as this one. Can it be that so-called "Heathen-metal" is not far off in the distance? The music here is one long story presented in a historical concept when warriors rode the land and drinking songs led the charge - plenty of magical mysticism, widely spun tales full with sword - clanging effects and hollow chants wafting in the background.

Granted, this type of music, strewn with styles that don't traditionally associate with each other, is not for everyone. In terms of creativity, "Ragnarok" belongs right at the top. There are few recordings that capture the uniqueness, or would even chance the attempt at melding such a wide array of instrumental arrangements.

So, raise your banners high, stick around for a drink with "John Barleycorn," rejoice in the ongoing quest for glory, and if you're lucky enough, you may discover there's a "heart of steel" lurking in the distance.