When I heard that In Extremo combined metal with bagpipes, I was intrigued enough to pick this up on a whim. And I'm glad I did because I enjoy every single song on this disc. As metal goes, the riffs are fairly basic, but catchy. And when they play bagpipes over the riffs in place of lead guitars, the whole thing takes on a new dimension. It's almost mesmerizing. The fact that they sing in German instead of English is totally inconsequential. You'll find yourself trying to sing along despite the language barrier. On the whole, this is a surprisingly accessible disc.

The only reason I stopped short of giving it five stars is because I can't help but think that the ultimate bagpipe/metal album has yet to be made (and keep in mind I haven't yet laid my hands on their follow-up, "Verehrt Und Angespien"). As much as the catchy simplicity of the music is a strength, it's also a weakness. I'd expect the efforts of seven musicians to result in a richer, fuller sound with more complicated interaction between the instruments. That doesn't really happen on this disc. Still, it's only a small complaint since the disc is so enjoyable to listen to as it is. If you like In Extemo's mix of metal and medieval folk, also check out Skyclad, Finntroll, Vintersorg, and Agressor. Wake the dead!

Holy macaroni, this CD by In Extremo is HOT -- I was pretty much basting in my own juices listening to this here mix of rough and ready heavy metal riffage and medieval instruments 'n' blowey-thingees. I'm a deep down sucker for ye olde tunes done in a folk-rock stylee, but this is something else! It all kicks off mighty fine with 'Ai Vis Lo Lop,' a tune I know from Breton music...The power chords crunch, and the bass and drums and pipes kick this monster into another realm altogether: yeah, it's metal, but it's a sexy beast of metal. 'Weckt die Toten!' is a very spare sounding record; In Extremo's next ('Worshipped and Spat At') is more produced. But on this here CD, you get one of the best miked spittings of all time, as the lead singer winds up and hucks one during a tune! ...

When first I listened to this In Extremo album, I did not like it very much: it seemed too rough, too noisy, pretty much too loud. Listening again a few months later, it sounded better already. I bought it. Now it is one of my favourites. You get accustomed, no, addicted to the music of "The Last Unicorn" (vocals), Dr Pymonte, Yellow Pfeiffer and Flex the Flexible (all bagpipes), Thomas the Minter (guitar), The Lutter (bass) and the Morningstar (drums). This is a milestone in the Medieval-Meets-Metal Genre. However, also check out the successor album, "Verehrt und Angespien"!

The concept of In Extremo--A bunch of guys dressed in butcher's apprentice costumes playing bagpipes, flutes and shawns to heavy metal guitars--seems silly. But it pays off...the result is melodic, heavy and beautiful. This is stuff to get into if you like Nile, Cradle Of Filth, Burzum, or Alchemist. One of the best albums I ever bought.

This is a great CD. I love the way In Extremo combine Bagpipes and other "folk" type insturments with somewhat heavy guitar!