Shield enemies tactic

I am quiet good at the combat in hellblade, generally not dying and most often than not getting no damage. <\Trumpet blown> However, the shield enemies are giving me trouble. The only reliable tactic I have used on them is to dodge then until I can enter focus mode and then hit them with heavy attacks combos.

Is there a simpler way?

I finished the game a while ago so I'm not completely sure, but IIRC:

• they do a heavy attack which you can dodge to the side of the weapon, this allows you to hit them (but usually just once)
• parrying might also work, but I'm not 100% anymore
• the best method is to use the unarmed attack to beat the shield aside and then attack them with your sword