The bands rise has been meteoric to say the least, which may explain why often the band are seen as 'Johnny come latelys'. Not having toiled in the underground for numerous years producing a string of demos seems to have robbed the band of credibility in many peoples eyes. Combined with the bands odd demeanor, and you have to some nothing more than a fad band.

Taking "The Varangian Way" on merit, the album is quite varied and a unique sounding record. Hey, how many metal bands can claim to have a full time accordion player within their ranks? With "Battle Metal" still reverberating in most peoples minds, the follow-up album was always going to be a tough proposition. Rest easy however as Turisas have lost none of their epic grandeur; nor none of their tongue-in-cheek humour that made their debut such a success."To Holmgard And Beyond" is a rousing call to arms, and really does uphold the old adage; 'start as you mean to go one'. "The Varangian Way" rampages along with all the raucous majesty of the Viking chieftain himself. Rather than continue down the path of creating "Battle Metal" part II, Turisas have taken the brave decision to strip back and simplify what was a winning formula in pursuit of a fresh sound. Unquestionably Turisas, and fans of the aforementioned "Battle Metal" need not worry however as you won't be found wanting. Nor will their be the feeling that this is a reconstituted version of the album that proceeded it.

Turisas's longevity is impossible to predict. They are not so much genre definers but genre creators, and while they continue to push boundaries in the pursuit of fresh ideas; challenging themselves to reinvent themselves, and their music, you feel the bands humourous persona will not become tiresome.