As far as I know, I’m half Norwegian, a quarter English, and eighth something and another eighth Irish. Now, I have red hair, I don’t much like whiskey (ok, DIDN’T when I used to drink, now that I don’t drink its all I want), I do have a shitty temper and I love me some potatoes. And boats, love boats. Love swimming. Love lighting shit on fire/ blowing shit up. The cold doesn’t get to me much….so does this kind of make me a Viking? There are a few other activities I do or have enjoyed that I cannot mention on our fucking rated G website here, but they fall in line with Viking tendencies. Sadly though, I did recently shave my huge beard off (shut up you Nancy boys) in favor of a nice mustache. Either way, maybe that explains why I love this Wandersword album so much! Ah ha!!!
Sung in all Russian and originally released in Russia only on Russian label Firestorm Productions, Waiting for War is now getting its rightful moment in the light throughout the world. We can thank Blasphemour Records for noticing the strength of these Russian musicians. The album opens up with a title track that is drumbeats and bagpipes calling the ocean breeze. Wind through our hair, our boat secure, we are ready!!!! Next in line is ‘The Valiant Viking’, full of guitars splashing waves our way, drums as our rhythm as we row the open waters. Prepare men, no turning back now!!!!
Some of the men seem to question the captain with ‘Scarlet Sunset’. Rage and sadness filled guitars whine away while madness sweeps parts of the crew. We’ve been out here for days, and nothing found yet. The comfort of a mandolin (?) helps to calm the crowd before the captain barks his speech back with a triumphant guitar chug and a slight off beat drum pattern. Have no fear men, we are almost there!!!! Although the vocals may lead you to think the captain slightly gone mad himself at points. Crazed with his obsession of loot and treasures.
Later on ‘Peaceful Guard’ starts off with an orchestrated view of the landscape. We have arrived!!! Everyone on shore!!! The guitars ring of quick riffs and lines of joy, upbeat tempos and the drums as moving as ever. Quickly now. But out of nowhere, ’40 Warriors’ plays back and forth with aggressive on the go beats and guitars, and melancholy tones. Towards the end, a sound of hammer and steel, a reminder of how we got here. Then a “fuck yes” inducing guitar cadence and group vocals.
‘Northern Gates’ is the sound of plucked mandolins and almost black metal speeds and tempos. All speed here. Taking down an entire village and all the treasures and women it has to offer. At the end just a horn and a marching drum, back to the boat we go. ‘Russia’, the closer, is the sound of victory. A flute that leads way to struck chords and pummel drum beats. In comes some orchestration yet again and the voice of a gone mad captain. The vocals eventually take on a new tone, looks like the mutiny won. On home with the flute still guiding us.
Step 1) No shaving or cutting of the hair for at least 9 months. Step 2) Gain 40 pounds. Step 3) Get used to the churning seas, no one wants to put up with a puker. Step 4) Go grab Waiting for War on April 16th, physical copies in the US and digital worldwide. Step 5) Don’t forget who helped ya on the way to your destiny and share the wealth.
HAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
