Not only is Himinbjorg one of the best bands i have heard from France(the others being,doom merchants Misanthrope and technical death-thrashers Agressor).They seem to be one of the most creative gems overlooked in the pagan black metal scene.In The Ravens Shadow is their second offering and their most brilliant to date which finds the band expanding on all fronts in the song writing department.The folk elements are even more widespread on this album,ranging from powerful clean singing,acoustic guitars and other traditional tones from a keyboard that forces ones mind to wander the moonlit path in search of meaning and reason in these troubled times we now live in. The robust,clean chants offset the more conventional black metal rasps perfectly! sounding their most unique when sung over speed emitting verses as on the "Inverted Dimension" and "In The Forest Of Demons From Within",for that open minded take on the viking metal medium of ancestral expression.For a French band,Himinbjorg is very,very Nordic in their delivery,possessing enough destructive might and tasteful ethnic overtones to proudly stand along with Einherjer and Enslaved (ultra-killer bands from Norway playing excellent pagan/viking metal)at the top of the now dung heap of talentless so-called viking black metal acts. The production is brilliant,the guitars having that pleasing(to my ears!) high end buzz that piles on the tension as these melody soaked tracks pound unwavering hooks deep into your subconscious. In The Ravens Shadow is a monster that wields a sharpened sword at you time and time again as you find yourself repeatedly returning for more damage to Himinbjorg’s battlefield. A great album, a majestic experience!! The feast is laid out,Odin awaits!..my seat at his table is reserved..is yours?????