This is an unexpectedly cool disc of Pagan Black Metal from Portland, of all places. Normally the quality entries in this field are European, but this is a more than solid album with a lot of songwriting verve and real chops. Oakhelm really remind me strongly of Spain's Berserk from the old From the Celtiberian Woods days, with their epic riff style and deeper-throated vocals. There are a few clean vox on this, but not many. This is mostly heavy-hitting Pagan Metal with real sweep and atmosphere. The songwriting is a bit more complex than the standard, but not too much so, it's mostly just really sharp and well-done, with good riffs placed just right. This band isn't really bucking the standard here, they just do everything better: better riffs, better songs, better sound. An underground gem.