Part of me finds this album pretty enjoyable, but part of me is also thinking: "uh-oh! Century Media 'watering down' alert!" Don't get me wrong - I really like some albums which have been released on Century Media, such as Emperor's 'Anthems,' Moonspell's 'Irreligious' and Sentenced's 'Down.' Neverthless Century Media does seem to have an annoying habit of diluting the Metal and promoting the Goth of some bands it signs. 'The Olden Domain' isn't really 'gothic,' but it's definitly more accessible than Borknagar's debut, with a clear production, not many heavy parts and a guitar sound which doesn't really have much more 'Metal' than The Manic Street Preachers.
I must stress that I do actually like this album! It's just not as good as I think it should have been, and I don't like the more commercial feel it has. Garm's Black Metal-style rasps are good as always, and so is his clean singing - but he unfortunetly doesn't sing in his 'Monk' style (which was so excellently displayed on Ulver's 'Bergtatt') as much anymore. Usually the clean vocals are more like normal clean vocals - perhaps a little bit like the clean singing on Emperor's 'Anthems' (although here they are far more audible in the mix).
My favourite songs here are 'The Eye Of Oden' and 'The Dawn Of The End,' which are the first and the last songs. The former is very memorable and catchy thanks to some great vocal work from Garm, and the latter is very atmospheric, especially during the last section.
There are plenty of very good moments here, but the album seems to be missing something. I know it's a copout for me to say that, and I hate it when reviewers make a statement like that without backing it up properly, but I just have! Still, if you get the chance, then definitly give this album a try, since there are a few very good songs.
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