Primed for their new release mere weeks away now, we celebrate the bands latest album that truly wowed the warriors of the death metal world. Having been around for twenty six years now the band are seasoned experts in the rudiments of death metal. Forging their own path, the band fly the flag magnificently for swedish death metal. After the climactic beginning that was As Yggdrasil Trembles, the band birthed the second part of their saga the phenomenal Odalheim.

Unleashed – Odalheim

Though it may only be three years old, time matters not when the material is as fantastic as that which is presented on Odalheim. Being the successor from the bands album As Yggrdasil Trembles, the album follows the same path both lyrically and conceptually. Keeping the story alive, we’re treated to an updated version of the Unleashed sound. With Johnny Hedlund‘s bellows resounding long after the album has finished. The battering that is felt throughout the record is truly monolithic. Though a particular favourite of mine has got to the inspired soloing from Fredrik Folkare. Able to turn melody completely on its head, one of the reasons I personally have fallen in love with Unleashed over the years. Utilising scales that may not be as out there as the likes of Dave Davidson but tastefully adding flourish to the songs, which without would definitely get stale pretty fast!

Though Odalheim may be the second part of the story that were being told by Hedlund, it has the potential to always stand alone as a release. Utilising melancholic instruments to set the scene fantastically, the band employ heavy metal tendencies within a genre so deftly one sided. Some absolutely astounding lead work throughout though a particular highlight has to be “Gathering The Battalions“. Odalheim marks the second chapter in the decidedly final story of Ragnarok. Though it might be a new album that purists would argue wouldn’t stand up to the band’s older work it’s a fantastic listen that will definitely be worth revisiting, particularly as Dawn Of The Nine will occur directly after the albums climax that is “The Battle Of Odalheim“. Classic death metal in the modern day.