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Hailing from Bergen, Norway, The Batallion was formed by experienced Nordic musicians. In its ranks are members of some much respected acts as Old Funeral, Grimfist, Taake and Borknagar.

I was not really into this album up until I paid more attention with a careful listen. A magazine I wrote for before had for motto: "Real Metal For Real Men". This album is full of testosterone, so be ready for a man to man warfare! The promo sheet even says this about them: "The toughest and most masculine band in the world". These guys are no Beegees wanna be, singing fairy tales with cheesy blast beats! Rough and tough thrashy Black Metal it is. Mind you, it was given a good sound production, so the overall feel is not only kicking and bashing, but melodic with thrilling and catchy guitar work, if you please. The short compositions remain simple, nothing progressive, symphonic, eerie or darkly spiritual involved, but more of the in your face style, with a certain punkish/arrogant type of attitude. I believe that Stronghold of Men will appeal to a wide audience of metalheads, for its good ol' time head banging with lots of thrilling guitar playing.

I enjoyed most of this album, especially the mid fast paced compositions like: "Born in a Grave", "Victims", "Hate at Last Sight" and "March of the Veterans".