Norwegian extreme metal outfit. Drottnar can be traced back to 1996, when a band called Vitality got started. They changed their name in 1998. Musically they have since then changed from death metal, through Viking-metal, ending up with a mix between black- and death metal.

ANAMORPHOSIS (2003) MONUMENTUM SCANDINAVIA (EP)

Drottnar have really created a unique sound on this EP. It's very hard to describe. The basis is black metal/death metal. But they also add other elements, such as the beautiful violin in the opening track. The vocal style is also drastic, to say the least. Sven-Erik has this piercing sick shriek, that just fits the music perfectly. I also enjoy the drum-work done here, nice and varied. So the music only leaves me wanting more. My personal favorite track is "Sin Climax". But as if the great music isn't enough, this CD comes with some the coolest packaging I've seen anywhere. Inside the black cardboard sleeve, with black indented lettering, you find the jewel-case. And the booklet is also cardboard material, black and with black lettering. The EP is limited to only 850 ex. So this will become a collectors item in time.

WELTERWERK (2006) ENDTIME

For a band that has not only been around for a decade, but who also have harvested some great press in the past, it sure was about time they got to release their first proper full-length album! Drottnar have never been the most productive band around, but you can count on one thing though; when they put something new out, it will be something interesting. They are also a band who never compromise with any trends or whatnot. They are constantly progressing, following their own paths. Now, 'Welterwerk' is easily compared to the sound and feel of the 2003 EP, but it is also so much more. This is a highly technical black/death hybrid, with an industrial flavor. The music is at times almost repetitive in nature, yet at the same time filled with some of the most odd, borderline atonal, chords, put in to spice things up (forgive me if that is a poor description, but I'm no musician, just a listener). The musicianship is breathtaking, and you have to dig a little deeper then just scratching the surface to really get a hold of what is going on. Just look out for the trumpet in 'Victor Comrade'! Is this groundbreaking, or just plain ol' insanity? You be the judge. I'm not sure what is up with the old military outfits, and the German titles, but as long as the main focus is on the music, I guess it's all the same to me. Kudos for being original!