Along with a healthy dollop of Scandinavian folk, references to just about every cornerstone in metal abound throughout the course of this record -- from the bombastic black metal of Dimmu Borgir, to the sweeping grandiosity of Therion, to the progressive epics of Voivod and the traditional power riffage of Iron Maiden. But to their immense credit, Turisas never once sound like simply the sum of their influences. In fact, one of the only gripes that come to mind in reference to _Battle Metal_ is that the somewhat flat production often times does not allow each instrument the necessary breathing space to shine. For a debut effort however, this is a staggering triumph, and although it may not appeal to everyone, it will certainly get enough heads bobbing to justify its existence. As for me -- I'm off to go and buy myself a chainmail vest as soon as time allows.