Metal compilations used to be great a decade or so ago, but with the expansion of the Internet to almost every metalhead's household (or crypt) they have become rather pointless. A selection of tracks that have absolutely nothing in common other than being metal, is in my opinion useless. But if you are looking to expand your horizons in different genres or sub-genres, a well selected compilation of tracks from bands that share similar values can be a great ear opener.

_Metal Message Vol III_ contains fourteen tracks of folk inspired Viking / Pagan metal from relatively unknown or unsigned bands from Europe and elsewhere in the world. Inside you can find a fine collection of sounds and approaches to the genre. I am not that fond of overt displays of folk sounds and instruments, because it is rather easy for the band to sound way too cheesy, but I accept that tastes differ. I was actually surprised by the quality of some of the tracks: Switzerland's Eluveitie and Norway's Mistur both sound impressive, but I also liked Hordak and Heiden. Some tracks are obviously better than others, and production values differ from track to track, but this is to be expected from a compilation.

The compilation looks to be beautifully packaged and the art direction is right on the spot, with quality images and paintings, as can be seen from the samplers page. All these amount to a carefully crafted compilation with samples from numerous underground bands in the Viking / folk metal scene. Since the bands are nowhere near the radar radius of most people, this disc actually serves its purpose by introducing the newcomers. If this is your poison of choice, then hurry because the compilation has a limited release of five hundred copies only.