Well this week has been a bit hectic. I am now sitting in Maine instead of London after a very long day flying across the Atlantic which featured long delays and this incident.

Korpiklaani: Korven Kuningas

Complete nutters from the wilds of Scandinavia. This is Viking folk battle metal at its best. Great stuff that is indescribably good if you like this sort of thing and befuddlingly bad if you don't. Bands like this lot, Tyr, and Turisas are an acquired taste for some. I just love people who are actually descended from Vikings singing about their heritage. Folk metal has been a great development in the genre, allowing hairy metalheads to explore their culture and not just trying to copy Metallica or Iron Maiden.

Now where is my mead and sword?

Motley Crue: Saints of Los Angeles

What is this? A good Motley Crue album that does not come from the '80s? Could it be? Well, yes, it can. The Motley lads have finally gotten it in gear and produced their best effort since Dr Feelgood. It will not surprise anyone to learn that the title track sounds as if it came off that huge selling album. The album is more or less a concept album about their home city and works rather well. Tracks that stand out are the title track, which is quite a stormer and rather crude but fun, "This Ain't A Love Song". As with the new Def Leppard and Whitesnake, this album sees Motley remembering what works for them and delivering it in spades.

If you thought that Motley had lost it in a sea of tabloid troubles and rubbish attempts at modern music, then think again. Motley are back at what they do best.

Man in the Moon: Rocket Attack

This band is very much hit and miss. When they sparkle it's on the track "Warmblooded Woman" which could be off a good UFO album. Good, straight-ahead hard rock that doesn't try anything too deep. The trouble with this lot is that they have bitten off more than they can chew. The lead singer mangles English at every turn and the songs are littered with cringe-worthy cliches. Now the band certainly have talent and are heading in the right direction. Well worth watching, but this CD is not worth seeking out yet, alas.