I'm going to focus this review entirely on the Enslaved portion of this release, although the four Emperor tunes are crucial as well in the understanding of that band's developement.

After a number of demos (including Yggdrasil, available as a split cd with an early Satyricon demo), on this cd lies the first official release from the Enslaved camp, recorded in 1992 for Candlelight Records.

From the 13-minute opening track, SLAGET I SKOGEN BORTENFOR (the Battle in the Forest Beyond), the vision of the band is established: long, dirge-like songs; screeching, angry vocals; fast, relentless drumming, prominent, repetitive guitar riffing, and consistent use of driving synths blended into the mix. In spite of the long song length, this tune motors along at a very fast pace, consistently interesting and often powerful. There are a number of breaks in the song when the pace slackens and a wave of guitar noise washes over the mix, but the drums inevitably kick back in and the horse continues on its furious path.

The 8-minute second track (ALLFATHIR ODHINN / Allfather Oden) is a reworked tune from the Yggdrasil demo. It's consistently faster than the opening track, and the intense moment when the banshee vocals break into the song for the first time is undeniably powerful. The tune does tend to bog down with a repetitive, slightly uninteresting guitar riff, backed by atmospheric synth, but overall it maintains its energy and power throughout.

Unlike the driving fury of the first two tracks, the 10-minute finale, BALFOR (Journey by Fire), is more of a mid-paced epic. The mood captured on this tune is not as evil, more even-tempered and cautious. Personally it captures the feeling of a hike through the forests of Norway, on the way to battle. Unusually pretty keyboard and synth work throughout this song give it more of a classical or folk feel. While I don't find it as interesting as the first two tracks, it is still a highly ambitious undertaking for a band on their debut release.

Overall, the Enslaved half of Hordanes Land is a must for Enslaved fans and an excellent purchase for those looking to explore some of the earliest roots of the Norwegian black metal scene. Like all releases by this band, this is serious, intelligent metal, intended to be listening to repeatedly and carefully. It's not for everyone for sure, but if you "get it", you're in for an amazing discovery.

Fantastic black metal tracks from Emperor, among the best they've ever done despite the somewhat primative recording. Plus some great metal from my favorite angry vikings Enslaved. Both bands provide complex and deeply moving tracks though this recording is the first thing both bands officially released. The intensity and darkness that these guys create is palpable and any fan of black metal, especially the early days of the Norwegian scene should have this album. Both bands went on to greater things but this is an excellent beginning.

"Hordanes Land" is a classic. The Emperor portion of the disc is naturally great. Their older stuff never disappoints and this is no exception. "I Am the Black Wizards" is probably one of the greatest tracks they ever recorded. However, I think I enjoy the Enslaved part of the disc a little more. The songs are very fast and brutal for the most part with mystical synth to give them a darker feel. This is definitely true Viking Black Metal by one of the originators. "Andi Fara" is my personal favorite from them on this album. The production is very poor. I think it might have been a little better to have slightly cleaner production while still keeping it primal. Both of these bands use synth quite frequently and better production would have brought that out more. I do think the production works pretty well though, just save the the REALLY raw stuff for Darkthrone and Isengard. I'd highly recommend this album to anybody that likes fast and raw black metal that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the cold Norwegian winter.

This CD is the Emperor MLP & Enslaved 'Hordane's Land" MLP both combined onto one CD. The Emperor tracks, in my opinion, are the greatest they have ever done. I feel that Emperor lost their edge after this recording, although "In the Nightside Eclipse" was a great CD. The extremely raw and excruciating sound quality only adds to the complete darkness and cryptic nature of this recording. Not to mention that the 2 greatest Emperor tracks are on here in their original form ("I am the Black Wizards" and "Cosmic Keys to my Creations and Times"). The Enslaved portion of this disc is truly classic. I feel that the Enslaved tracks on here, as well as the "Yggdrasill" demo are the greatest recordings by them. Complete raw BLACK METAL, in it's purest form!! ESSENTIAL!!

This is one of the best albums I've ever heard. It starts with the all-time classic "I Am The Black Wizards" by Emperor, which is one of the best black metal songs around. Enslaved's half, containing songs like Allfadr Odhinn, is at least just as good. In fact, both Emperor and Enslaved are amongst Blackmetal's top 5 bands, in my opinion. Buy this split cd. You won't regret it. I know. I'm from Norway.