It appears that Det Germanske Folket intends for an annual CD compilation to tie in with the Ragnarok festival of pagan and black metal bands. As with the first compilation, this is a double CD, but comes with a DVD of last year's performance. Nice.
The 30 artists represented (only Theudho contributes more than one track) are at the very least inspired by paganism or local folklore. Unlike the previous compilation, which featured Kampfar and Manegarm, there are no big names here. Or more accurately, no big metal names; Sturmpercht and Carved in Stone are household names in neofolk, while Soulseek also make an appearance. This is an inspired move, as many neofolk and pagan metal bands drink form the same well of atavistic heathenry for musical and lyrical inspiration, and their relative lack of exposure amongst this crowd is due more to ignorance than active dislike.
The exclusion of big names was probably a deliberate choice, to allow for exposure to underground projects. As with the previous compilation, bands signed to Det Germanske Folket and partner Blood Fire Death dominate and are responsible for 15 tracks, but a healthy cross selection from other labels bring in Foscor, Forteresse and Heorot, amongst others.
The DVD features performances from Tyr, Manegarm and Kampfar, familiar names to all with an interest in pagan / Viking metal. Kampfar got two songs and deservedly so, but neither was off their latest and most impressive opus, _Kvass_. All performances were taken at the same festival, so quality is consistent, as are the limited camera angles. Still, if you like pagan metal, DVD choices are limited.
Although I would have preferred more songs from each participant in order to form a more accurate opinion, this is strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in pagan / Viking metal beyond Moonsorrow and Finntroll.