On *Here Be Draken*, the trio sound more focused, more confident and, quite frankly, more dangerous than ever before. There are still down-tuned guitars, massive bass and drums that don’t hold back – but something has become sharper. The two previous albums had a hazy, muddy production that at times detracted from the riffs. Here, things have been tidied up, and the result is truly impressive. It captures the raw, vibrant sound Draken is clearly aiming for, without sacrificing clarity.

«The Great Deceiver» opens with a sense of gravitas and sets the tone straight away. «Jólablót» – the name of an ancient Norse midwinter festival – is a track brimming with raw energy and aggression, featuring more technical and intricate rhythm and guitar work. «Saturday Night Head Removal Extravaganza» escalates further with a faster, harder and more hardcore-influenced style, featuring solid guitar work and intense drumming.

«Here Be Dragons» is one of the album’s standout tracks. Heavy, powerful and with an almost epic undertone. Here, Draken show that they can create atmosphere without losing their raw energy. The track builds slowly and really sticks in your head. «Crimson Sun» is more subdued and not quite as heavy as the previous tracks, but still possesses dark and eerie qualities. «It Serves You Right» makes me think of Spidergawd in a metal version.

The most striking thing about this album, compared to the previous two, is its variety. Each track brings a new surprise and has its own identity, making it a really enjoyable listening experience. The band draws inspiration from High on Fire, Motörhead and Entombed, but despite these references, they have their own distinctive take on the material that really sets them apart.

Vocally, the shared vocal duties between Hermansen and Gaardløs add texture and grit. The delivery is rough and unpolished in the best possible way, and fits the band’s no-nonsense aesthetic perfectly. This isn’t an album for everyone, but for those of you who want hard rock with grit and riffs that get under your skin – Here Be Draken is exactly what you’re looking for.