MITHOTYN · Gathered Around the Oaken Table | GOLDEN 2LP

Golden double vinyl in gatefold cover. Limited to 250 copies.

Background information about 'Gathered Around the Oaken Table'

There are albums that age like fine mead, and then there's "Gathered Around the Oaken Table" — a record that feels like it's been pulled straight from a frostbitten fjord, wrapped in mist and ancient tales. MITHOTYN's 1999 swansong gets the treatment it always deserved: a full remaster, fresh artwork by the legendary Kris Verwimp, and its very first vinyl pressing. And holy hell, does it sound massive on wax.

From the opening chords of "Lord of Ironhand", you're transported. This isn't your polished, bombastic Viking metal — this is raw, melodic, and deeply atmospheric. The blend of strained black metal rasps, guttural growls, and clean chanting vocals gives the album a dynamic range that keeps you on your toes. Tracks like "Watchmen of the Wild" and "Hearts of Stone" weave folk-infused melodies into the blackened framework with a naturalness that few bands ever achieved. The guitar work is both aggressive and surprisingly tender, shifting from blistering tremolo picking to almost melancholic harmonies.

What makes this album truly special is its songwriting variety. It's not one-dimensional blast-beat worship; it breathes. "The Well of Mimir" carries a haunting, almost meditative quality, while "Nocturnal Riders" gallops forward with relentless energy. The closing track "Bland Vargars YI" adds a folkloric touch that ties the whole journey together. If you're into early Bathory, Thyrfing, or Falkenbach, this will hit you right in the soul.

For fans of: Bathory, Thyrfing, Falkenbach, Windir, Einherjer

Other Versions

BLACK 2LP · 24,99 € DIGIPAK CD · 14,99 €

Track listing

LP 1:
A1. Lord of Ironhand
A2. Watchmen of the Wild
A3. In the Clash of Arms
B4. Hearts of Stone
B5. The Well of Mimir
B6. Chariot of Power

LP 2:
C7. Nocturnal Riders
C8. The Guardian
C9. Imprisoned
D10. Guided by History
D11. The Old Rover
D12. Bland Vargars YI

Manufacturer: Hammerheart Records BV, P.O. Box 277, 6300 AG Valkenburg, Netherlands, Contact: www.hammerheart.com