Unleashed, Hammer Battalion
Man, I haven’t actively listened to an Unleashed album since 1993’s Across the Open Sea, which was, back then, always being in the tape player. I worn that things thin. I’m not entirely sure why I haven’t really been into them since, but I can say that after not really hearing them for more years than I like, their latest release Hammer Battalion reminds me of the older stuff, but is a completely different animal now.
Trying not to let nostalgia get the better of me, Unleashed seem to have matured a great deal through the years, incorporating more structure to their song writing and even throwing in a solid lead here or there. That distinct sound that I remember in every riff the band produced is a bit diluted now, but I digress. On Hammer Battalion, the legendary Swedes take on religion full force with crushing, moshy riffs, thunderous rhythms and soul scorching leads. Hedlund’s distinctive, gruff delivery is as consistent as it always has been — rough and confrontational.
The Greatest of All Lies
Opening up with a huge scream reminiscent of “The One Insane” Hedlund and crew get right down to business with chugging, galloping riffs and heavy drum work. A full on attack on Christianity, “The Greatest of All Lies” is an aggressive bit of death metal with memorable riffing. The lead right before the two minute mark is pretty slick.
Long Before Winter’s Call
Following up the strong opening track, this next one has a memorable bit of guitar work starting it off before the band settle into a driving pace. Right before the start of the second minute the band lets loose with a series of drum volleys and riffs that’s pretty damned aggressive. A real nice solo hits quickly at the 2:15 mark before shape shifting back into more raw riffing.
Your Children Will Burn
Beefy guitars get “Your Children Will Burn” off to a good start. This one has an interesting series of tempo changes that keeps things fresh and unpredictable. It’s a pretty good track, with a memorable chorus that you’ll be shouting along to quickly. Another clean lead at teh 1:40 mark interrupts the riffing for a bit.
Hammer Battalion
The title track starts off with a rapid beat and driving riffs. There’s a nice slow down around the 1:30 mark to let you catch your breathe as an erie lead coils like a serpent. Once the pace picks back up it’s full on until the end of the song.
This Day Belongs to Me
“This Day Belongs to Me” starts off a bit slower with thick riffs and a darker overall sound. The riffs have a nice evil edge to them as the slower paced song builds. This is dark, moody viking death metal at its best.
Marching Off to War
A chaotic opening few seconds gets this one started before Hedlund comes in with his gruff delivery. There’s a huge burst of energy just before the one minute mark that accompanies the chorus. This one has got a nice head banging beat to it. One of the sickest leads on the album explodes before the three minute mark as the band once again descends into the chaotic depths of hell.
Entering the Hall of the Slain
This one sounds like classic Unleashed if ever there was a song. Even Hedlund’s vocals have that older sound to them. It’s got great rhythm, beefy riffs and a catchy chorus, complete with requisite sick solo at the 2:30 mark of the song. The track ends aggressively.
Black Horizon
A big scream and swirling, churning riffs get “Black Horizon” moving along before Unleashed settle into a mid-tempo pace. This one has a pretty dark presence to it, as well. The quiet slow down right before the three minute mark is ended abruptly with another big scream from Hedlund.
Carved in Stone
“Carved in Stone” starts off with some nice, light guitar work before big riffs take over. There are some slick hooks and a slower pace to this one as Hedlund gets into his growls. This is a pretty catchy track. It’s got a different feel than the rest of the songs on the disc. Man, these dudes know how to pump out some soulful leads.
Warriors of Midgard
Acoustic guitar picking is quickly overtaken by a relatively melodic (by Unleashed’s standards) riff. The band quickly gets up to speed with chugging riffs and driving drum work. They let loose right at the 50 second mark with aggressive blasts and fills.
Midsummer Solstice
A catchy series of riffs and nice mid-tempo beat start off “Midsummer Solstice” as Hedlund comes in with his vocals. Layered vocals on this one give the song some nice depth. At this point, late in the album, the songs are starting to feel a little formulaic with similar sounding leads appearing at almost the same point in each track. That’s not to say the leads are sick as hell, but it does tend to get a little monotonous.
Home of the Brave
Hellish guitars and quick drums greet the listener at the start of “Home of the Brave.” I’m digging the quick pace of this one. It’ll leave you neck sore after a few listens.
I Want You Dead
Galloping riffs get the final track on the album moving along briskly. This is a pretty strong finish for a quality release from this legendary band. You’ll be shouting with Hedlund during the chorus as monumental riffs tear from the speakers. The final lead on the album comes in at the 1:35 point and it’s pretty damned good.
~ ~ ~
It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to a full Unleashed album. Perhaps it’s the memory of my formative years head banging away to the band in their own early incarnation that’s got me not quite into this one as I probably should. There are some pretty beefy riffs and hellified leads, but overall I really miss the old Unleashed sound. Still, this is another notch for the band in a series of outstanding releases.
Favorite Tracks:
The Greatest of All Lies
Your Children Will Burn
Marching Off to War
Carved in Stone
Warriors of Midgard
Home of the Brave
Additional Notes:
N/A