Another "epic" pairing for you from the Meista tonight my friends... "Njord" by Leaves' Eye and an Intermountain Wheat Ale from Epic Brewing Company!
"Njord" is the 3rd studio album by German/Norwegian symphonic/folk metal band Leaves' Eyes and was released on August 26th, 2009 through Napalm Records. (The album takes its name from the Norse god of the wind and fertility as well as the sea and sea merchants, Njörðr (Njord), also father of the Norse deities of sexuality, Freyr and Freyja. Njord was a god among the Vanir a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see the future.) Characterized by beautifully operatic vocals by Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull and the symphonic, exotic, and melodic styles of the musicians, Leave's Eye's "Njord" is a richly complex and soaring album of pageantry and guitar prowess. Lyrically, the album's themes revolve around Norse mythology and sagas, Viking lore, love, passion, and . Songs like "Njord", "My Destiny", "Take The Devil In Me", "Through Our Veins", "Northbound" "Ragnarok", "Froya's Theme", and "Landscape Of The Dead" are beautifully compelling and powerfully sonorous! Personnel on the album include: Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull (lead/backing vocals), Alexander Krull ( death growl/backing vocals, keyboards, programming), Thorsten Bauer (lead/rhythm/acoustic guitars, bass guitars), Mathias Röderer (lead/rhythm/acoustic guitars), Alla Fedynitch – bass guitars), Seven Antonopoulos (drums/percussion).
For the softer beauty in Liv Kristine's voice (I think I may have a bit of a crush on her admittedly), but apropos to the complexity of "Njord" as a whole, I decided to go with a 22 ounce artisan wheat ale. The Intermountain Wheat Ale from Epic Brewing Company is a very drinkable, very sessionable unfiltered wheat brew in the American tradition. It pours a rather murky clover honey-gold with a thin white head displaying good retention and lacing. The nose is both bready and citrusy. There are notes of cracked wheat and lemon zest. Light-bodied, the mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, yet somewhat crisp from the higher carbonation. Brewed with American Hefeweizen yeast and hops along with all-grain, the Intermountain Wheat Ale has a very hearty, yet refreshing flavor. There are notes of honey wheat bread, lemon, mixed nuts, and a hint of spicy ginger. It finishes clean with just a hint of lingering citrus notes.
Prost... Skál... Hails!!
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