When LN release new music, you know you’re not about to get three minutes of safe, radio-friendly rock. Oh no, butt. You’re 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, “Draugr”, is another towering slice of pagan metal that proves this Newcastle outfit aren’t just dressing up in Viking gear—they’re building an entire universe around their music.
⚔️ 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. It’s 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 you’ve wandered into its cursed burial mound.
🎸 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. There’s 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.
🎤 Vocals That Bring the Story to Life
One of LN’s 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.
🛡️ 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 LN’s mythical world.
It’s clear the band understand that modern metal isn’t just about the songs—it’s about creating an immersive experience.
🔥 Built for the Festival Stage
Having recently impressed crowds with their performances, it’s 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.
🤘 The Riff Report Verdict
LN continue to carve out their own path within the UK’s pagan and Viking metal scene.
Draugr isn’t interested in chasing trends or radio playlists. Instead, it doubles down on everything that makes the band exciting—massive riffs, memorable melodies, immersive storytelling and an unwavering commitment to their vision.
It’s dark, epic, emotional and gloriously heavy.
If you’re a fan of bands that combine mythology, theatrical presentation and thunderous modern metal, this deserves a place on your playlist immediately.
⚔️ Riff Rating: 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 (5/5 Guitars)
Standout Moments:
- ⚔️ Crushing, groove-filled guitar work
- 🔥 Fantastic balance of clean vocals and growls
- 🌲 Atmospheric, cinematic music video
- 🤘 Huge festival-ready chorus and breakdowns
- 🛡️ Rich Norse mythology woven naturally into the songwriting
LN are proving once again that they’re far more than another metal band—they’re storytellers, world builders and one of the UK’s most exciting rising heavy acts.
If Draugr is any indication of what’s 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. 🤘
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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