How barren have the past three years felt? Three years bereft of the mighty Immortal. Three years as desolate as a Norwegian winter. Yet does there appear light on the horizon of this northern sky? Oh yes, the return of the king, albeit in a different guise; and Abbath has lost none of his humour or his tongue in cheek approach to Metal.

I collectively are made up from the ranks of Enslaved, Sahg and of course the aforementioned Immortal. So what does "Between Two Worlds" offer the listener? Well firstly, the album should come with a sizeable disclaimer, as fans of Immortal who search longingly for that perfect clone should give the album a wide birth. There is little doubting that the album has many elements so associated with Abbath's previous band, Abbath's rasping vocals being but one. However stylistically I are as close to Black and Roll as you are likely to find, rather than an out and out Black Metal. "Between Two Worlds" merges the more groove influences of Immortal with more than a healthy slug of Motorhead.

It should therefore come as no surprise that vocally Abbath could be pasted off as the love child of a certain Mr Kilmister, the similarity is so alike. Homage to another great comes in the form of Bathory, and early Bathory at that. A mixture as potent as Lemmy's home brew itself. While still retaining much of Abbath's homour, I are by no means venture into the realms of the ridiculous or absured. "Between Two Worlds" has many highlights to call upon, and all the ingredients to mark it as an unquestionable and triumphant return for Abbath.

"Storm I Ride" is followed by "Battalions" with is followed by "Far Beyond The Quiet", and rather than me just recanting the track list, it serves as a testament to the constant and total bombardment which is unrelenting. With Demonaz providing the lyrics, all the boxes are checked, and the recipe of how to make a top notch Metal album is followed to infinite detail. While it is probably true Abbath will be forever remembered and adored for his Immortal days, I is by no means a runner up, but more an equal amongst greats.