CD Review: Unleashed - Odalheim

Written by Björn Butzen Sunday, 06 May 2012 15:18

Artist: Unleashed
Title: Odalheim
Genre: Death Metal
Release Date: 20th April 2012
Label: Nuclear Blast

Album Review

Othin spake:
"Much have I fared, | much have I found,
Much have I got of the gods:
What shall live of mankind | when at last there comes
The mighty winter to men?"

Vafthruthnir spake:
"In Hoddmimir's wood | shall hide themselves
Lif and Lifthrasir then;
The morning dews | for meat shall they have,
Such food shall men then find."

-Excerpts from Vafþrúðnismál, translation by Henry Adams Bellows [1936]-

UNLEASHED´s last release ‘As Yggdrasil Trembles’ told the story of the beginning of Ragnarök and the end of the world. Now, with ‘Odalheim’ the story continues and the Swedish death metal pioneers are showing on their eleventh release what they´re standing for… Since the release of the debut album ‘Where No Life Dwells’ in 1991, UNLEASHED class among the most influential bands of the whole scene and every faithful death metal fan should have seen them live more than once, for example on tour with DEATH, MORBID ANGEL, AT THE GATES CANNIBAL CORPSE, ENTOMBED and SAMAEL, just to name a few!

‘Odalheim’ ties in where ‘As Yggdrasil Trembles’ ended - lyrically as musically although the release seems to be a little more up-tempo and rougher than its predecessors. No wonder at all, for the end of the world is overrunning mankind and who shall be able to stand. Therefore ‘Odalheim’ is an interesting transposition of this fascinating literature and Norse Mythology. Nevertheless, UNLEASHED keep in mind that their special guitar tunes and the usage of acoustic guitars account for a dull ambience.

There´s just one small snag… as I said ‘Odalheim’ ties in where its predecessor ended it´s not necessarily a lyrical compliment. To be honest: there´s no real development due to the lyrics, but that´s just a little drawback to me. Although the songs are more up-tempo there´s even no certain development - it´s up to you to decide, whether this is just boring or consciousness of musical value. In my opinion ‘Odalheim’ is not UNLEASHED´s best work, but definitely a solid release! Of course, every fan has to buy this release, others should definitely try out!


Tracklist

01. Fimbulwinter
02. Odalheim
03. White Christ
04. The Hour Of Defeat
05. Gathering The Battalions
06. Vinland
07. Rise Of The Maya Warriors
08. By Celtic And British Shores
09. The Soil Of Our Fathers
10. Germania
11. The Great Battle Of Odalheim


Line-up

Johnny Hedlund – Bas , Vocals
Tomas Olsson – Guitar
Fredrik Folkare – Guitar
Anders Schultz – Drums


Website

http://www.unleashed.se / http://www.myspace.com/unleashed / https://www.facebook.com/unleashed


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 7
Sound: 10
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10


Buy the album here!