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

Track listing

1. Lord of Ironhand
2. Watchmen of the Wild
3. In the Clash of Arms
4. Hearts of Stone
5. The Well of Mimir
6. Chariot of Power
7. Nocturnal Riders
8. The Guardian
9. Imprisoned
10. Guided by History
11. The Old Rover
12. Bland Vargars YI

Manufacturer: Napalm Records Handels GmbH, Hammerplatz 2, 8790 Eisenerz, Austria , Contact: napalmrecords.com