When LN release new music, you know youโre not about to get three minutes of safe, radio-friendly rock. Oh no, butt. Youโre about to be dragged into a world of ancient myths, thunderous riffs, and enough atmosphere to make you want to grab an axe and march into battle.
Their latest single, โDraugrโ, is another towering slice of pagan metal that proves this Newcastle outfit arenโt just dressing up in Viking gearโtheyโre building an entire universe around their music.
โ๏ธ What Is a Draugr?
In Norse mythology, a Draugr is an undead warrior. These terrifying creatures rise from their graves to guard treasure, haunt the living, or seek revenge. Itโs a perfect subject for LN, whose music has always embraced ancient legends, folklore, and larger-than-life storytelling.
Rather than simply writing a song about a Draugr, LN make you feel like youโve wandered into its cursed burial mound.
๐ธ Riffs Heavy Enough to Shake the Mountains
From the opening moments, Draugr wastes absolutely no time.
Massive guitar riffs crash in with the weight of a collapsing fortress while the rhythm section keeps everything marching relentlessly forward. Thereโs an undeniable groove underneath all the brutality that makes the song surprisingly addictive.
The production is huge without becoming over-polished. Every instrument has room to breathe, yet the overall sound remains crushing from start to finish.
This is music designed to be played very, very loudly.
๐ค Vocals That Bring the Story to Life
One of LNโs biggest strengths continues to be their vocal approach.
The contrast between soaring clean melodies and savage harsh vocals creates genuine drama throughout the track. Instead of feeling like two separate styles stitched together, they work as different voices telling the same story.
The clean passages provide emotion and atmosphere, while the growls unleash the fury lurking beneath the surface.
It perfectly mirrors the mythology behind the song.
๐ก๏ธ A Cinematic Music Video
The official video adds another layer to the experience.
Dark forests, haunting visuals, dramatic lighting and striking imagery all combine to create something that feels more like a short fantasy film than a traditional music video. Rather than distracting from the music, every shot enhances the atmosphere and pulls you deeper into LNโs mythical world.
Itโs clear the band understand that modern metal isnโt just about the songsโitโs about creating an immersive experience.
๐ฅ Built for the Festival Stage
Having recently impressed crowds with their performances, itโs easy to imagine Draugr becoming one of those songs that instantly ignites a festival audience.
The crushing breakdowns, chant-worthy hooks and cinematic pacing feel tailor-made for live shows. You can almost picture fists pumping, horns raised high and crowds bellowing every word back at the band.
๐ค The Riff Report Verdict
LN continue to carve out their own path within the UKโs pagan and Viking metal scene.
Draugr isnโt interested in chasing trends or radio playlists. Instead, it doubles down on everything that makes the band excitingโmassive riffs, memorable melodies, immersive storytelling and an unwavering commitment to their vision.
Itโs dark, epic, emotional and gloriously heavy.
If youโre a fan of bands that combine mythology, theatrical presentation and thunderous modern metal, this deserves a place on your playlist immediately.
โ๏ธ Riff Rating: ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ (5/5 Guitars)
Standout Moments:
- โ๏ธ Crushing, groove-filled guitar work
- ๐ฅ Fantastic balance of clean vocals and growls
- ๐ฒ Atmospheric, cinematic music video
- ๐ค Huge festival-ready chorus and breakdowns
- ๐ก๏ธ Rich Norse mythology woven naturally into the songwriting
LN are proving once again that theyโre far more than another metal bandโtheyโre storytellers, world builders and one of the UKโs most exciting rising heavy acts.
If Draugr is any indication of whatโs still to come, the future looks absolutely legendary.
Have you watched the official video yet? What did you think of Draugr? Let us know in the comments and keep it locked to The Riff Report for more reviews, interviews, festival coverage and all things loud. Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. ๐ค
