NORDWIND / ORDER OF THE WHITE HAND

The most interesting splits, in my experience, are the ones where the bands involved sound distinct from one another, but share enough of a kinship in some way to justify teaming up on the first place. Ironically enough, the black metal scene is replete with those who prefer the comfort and safety of numbers; otherwise solid acts feel muted when they're grouped with another band with all of the same to offer: same chords, same lyrics, same tradition. In contrast, bands pairing distinct, separate sounds together is a good thing for everyone. The strengths of each band are emphasized through the contrast and the listening stays fresh throughout in thanks to the combination. This kind of practical alchemy is the reason I still find myself playing the split between Enslaved and Emperor, years and years after it's initial release.

There's that same feeling of "complementary distinction" between Order of the White Hand and Nordwind on Victory Monument of Death. In the case of this split, Order of the White Hand serves a role comparable to Enslaved's contrast against Emperor when cast aside the significantly faster, ravenous Nordwind. I don't mean to direct either of these bands directly so much as say that there have been similar contrasts on splits before and they tend to work very well. Order of the White Hand plays a melodic, folk-oriented style that isn't out of line with the Finnish norm. The Canadians in Nordwind are more violent, proud and fast, and not beyond occasionally writing riffs with melodic appeal. The common ground between the two lies in their shared pagan roots, and that is more than enough cause for the two to join forces.