"The Voice Of Steel" is the latest album from this Ukrainian NSBM (known as National Socialist Black Metal) band and one word comes to mind when listening, perfection. Nokturnal Mortum has redefined the pagan black metal genre with "The Voice of Steel", one of the last great albums to come out in 2009.

The album starts off with the same intro (‘Intro’) we heard in 1999's "NeChrist" with the traditional Ukrainian war horn and one may think you're in store for the same assault of blast beats and massive riffage. Instead, you are treated to an acoustic folk guitar with mystifying violins in the background, almost too hard to describe without hearing it yourself. If I could there is not one thing that I would change about the album, from the title track to the end of ‘White Tower’ it is just mouth dropping.

Offering a mix of violin, keys, intricate twin guitar riffs you don't even have to understand Ukrainian to truly appreciate this album (the lyrics are all Ukrainian). On the fourth track (‘Ukraine’) I found myself after a few listens singing and humming the chorus (even though I have no idea what they are saying). And for the hair-raising solos in the middle I can say this…if you don't find yourself air guitaring there is something seriously wrong with you. I found some people even saying this song should be Ukraine's new national anthem and I agree.

By the time you get to ‘Sky of Sorrowful Nights’ you should have a smile on your face but if you only knew the best was yet to come in ‘White Tower’ which is by far one of the best songs the band has composed. The haunting chorus is unbelievably written and I've never heard a riff like it before. It gave me utter chills and may do the same to you. It almost reminds me of something Blut Aus Nord would write.

This album was a thrilling end to a great year in Metal (it came out Dec 26th) and suggest all go out and purchase it (www.fog-music-shop.com , $12 total,shipped to US from Ukraine) Even if you really don't like NSBM just listen it for the music and I am sure you will not be disappointed and agree how well composed it truly is.