You better believe I wish I could skip across the pond for this one.  The Ragnarök Festival, held for three days in Germany, is going down this year on the 29th of April through the1st of May.  Historically, the festival has held great lineups and this year’s incarnation is no exception with the likes of Wolves in the Throne Room, Imperium Dekadenz (!!), Vreid, Ensiferum and a whole slew of others--this may even be one the the greatest lineups the festival has seen in years.  If you need to make sleeping arrangements, you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars or go in the sleeping hall for a mere $6 a night.  You can purchase tickets for the festival and the adjacent hotels, motels and sleeping hall here or see the full lineup after the jump.

After a long day of new music videos from Dark The Suns and Nightrage, listening to Eluveitie's new album three times and playing post-vacation catch up- I think I will fall back on an old favorite. From Imperium Dekadenz's first full length, '...Und Die Welt Ward Kalt Und Leer' released in  2006, 'Hall of Lust' and Mario Kart is just about my speed. I will see you suckers at the finish line of Rainbow Road.... or, just tomorrow I guess.

Throughout Kampfar’s 15-year legacy they have been little more to me, than a name. A name I heard more often than not on the business end of praises from those who’s taste I trust, but sill just a name… Until that is, this weekend; in which I downloaded, listened to and completely enjoyed the later three or so album of their body of work. The track above is ‘Dødens Vee’ from Kampfar’s latest ‘Hemigang’.

This weekend I also spun the hell out the new Imperium Dekadenz album, Procella Vadens that I briefly reviewed here. Procella Vadens has easily became my favorite release of 2010 thusfar.

On the less metal side of things I discovered a little folk gem, Kauan that despite being rather hit or miss has a few really solid records worth a peek. Notably ‘Aava Tuulen Maa’ and ‘Lumikuuro’. Check out a few videos of my discoveries after the jump. 

I was just sitting here bitching to Sparks about the slow news day today is turning out to be, when it hit me. Yesterday German black-metallers, Imperium Dekadenz released third full-length album Procella Vadens.  Worthy news indeed for this was my first big, anticipated release of 2010, and the bands first release since 2007.  Imperium Dekadenz truly has shaped a brilliantly morbid sound they can call their own with this Seasons of Mist release. An atmospheric foray into cold and dramatic landscapes, Procella Vadens should be high on any extreme metal fan’s ‘must buy’ list this quarter.    As if you needed anymore convincing, the band is offering a free download of 'An Autumn Serenade' on their myspace page- or you can listen to it right here with us.