Immortal's "Sons Of Northern Darkness" is a frost-bitten romp through the icy wastelands of black metal, with enough blast beats to give even the most seasoned headbanger whiplash. The Norwegian trio's sixth studio album is a relentless assault on the senses, with frontman Abbath's guttural growls cutting through the walls of distorted guitars like a Viking axe through butter.

From the frostbitten riffage of opener "One By One" to the epic, synth-laden closer "Beyond The North Waves", Immortal create a chilling atmosphere that will have you banging your head and raising your horns in appreciation. This album is a fierce battle cry to the gods of metal, with every track feeling like a war march into the heart of Valhalla.

While some may criticise Immortal for sticking to the tried-and-tested formula of black metal, there's no denying the sheer raw power and intensity of "Sons Of Northern Darkness". This is music to summon demons to, to raise hell with, and to headbang until your neck can take no more.

So grab your corpse paint, your spiked gauntlets, and your mead horn, because Immortal are here to take you on a journey through the frozen tundra of true Norwegian black metal. And let me tell you, it's one hell of a ride. Skål!