Music: Death Metal
Website: http://www.unleashed.se
Country: Sweden
Duration: 37:35
Cool Songs: Only the Dead, The Longships are Coming, Destruction of the Race of Men
I only Fuck the Dead! screams Johnny Hedlund on the track 'Only the Dead' from UNLEASHED's latest studio album, “Sworn Allegiance.” With lyrics like these the originators of Viking Death Metal prove they have unchained Fenris and this time there will be no wergild. Not since the band first landed its long ships attacking the metal scene with “Where No Life Dwells” have they created an album so appealing to the ear.
After nine years of creating sub-par albums, one might ask how could UNLEASHED reclaim the throne as one of death metals champions? Simple: revisit the things that got them there. Those things consist of catchy, low end death grinds; diabolic, open tremolo scales; Hedlunds characteristic war cries; galloping alternated with thunderous drum and bass patterns; and blood thirsty tales of the North lands. All these elements plus a few lifted riffs from their past are abound.
If a band is going to create music similar to past efforts, why not chose to replicate their best efforts? That is exactly what these Norns have done. For example, 'Destruction of the race of Men,' and 'I Bring you Death' change a note or two from the glorious Before the Creation of Time. Track 6, 'Insane for Blood,' utilizes the same impetus on 'Into Glory Ride.'
Another track worthy of mention (every track is excellent, but readers need not strain your eyes) is the opener, 'Winterland.' As you may have guessed, this track is about the harsh conditions of their Nordic homeland. This isnt the scenes most original idea, but with the wolfish howl, ICE COLD WINTERLAND, and wrist popping chugging, UNLEASHED proves they were the first and the best Viking Death Metallers.
One more track that simply must be noted is Metal Heads. This track portrays an affinity for Eighties metal. Groovin old school riffs should get any denim-clad metal head off his ass and into the pit. Also, the chorus, Bang your heads, bang your heads, true metal heads might be the metal mantra of 2004.
2004 was the year of comebacks. MEGADETH, MINISTRY, and FEAR FACTORY all returned to the stylings which made them metallic powerhouses. So has UNLEASHED.
note: 9/10
Tracklist
1. Winterland [3:03]
2. Destruction (Of The Race Of Men) [2:55]
3. Only The Dead [3:58]
4. The Longships Are Coming [4:09]
5. Helljoy [3:05]
6. Insane For Blood [3:58]
7. I Bring You Death [3:19]
8. Attack! [1:40]
9. CEO [2:25]
10. One Night In Nazareth [3:11]
11. Praised Be The Lord [2:24]
12. Metalheads [3:13]
13. To Miklagĺrd [3:40]
14. Long Live The Beast [3:22]
Line-up
Fredrik: Lead Guitar
Johnny: Bass & Vocals
Tomas: Rhythm Guitar
Anders: Drums
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