March 13, 2010

Reviewer: Kesh

One thing I don’t think anyone would argue with me about when it comes to Sweden’s legendary Viking Death pioneers Unleashed is that they are consistent. If you pick up Victory and then turn around and listen to Hell’s Unleashed and then to their latest offering As Yggdrasil Trembles, you know what you are going to get. This is the reason that many of the Swedish bands remain popular for so long: they find what works for them and then pretty much stick to. Why fix what isn’t broken?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Unleashed. They are one of the best death metal acts out there. But I have yet to see them produce an exceptional album, As Yggdrasil Turns follows this trend, not making me go “Wow,” but not changing my mind about my love for these guys either. It’s that consistency I mentioned previously that I think has kept these guys going for twenty-one years. Other than changes in production over the years, Unleashed hasn’t changed to any extreme degree over the years. This has worked well for them.

One thing that I have noticed has changed over the years, and take this as you may - it could be good for some and bad for others - is that as these boys have grown and matured as a band over the years, so has the musical aspect. The construction of the music has become more structured and to some minor extent, more melodic and catchy. I can definitely pick up the difference in this when I listen to the above mentioned Victory and then listen to As Yggdrasil Trembles. The title track, “This Time We Fight”, “Return Fire”, and “Yahweh And The Chosen Ones” are the ones where this difference can be picked up the most readily.

I would also like to point out that the best tracks off the album are “Master of the Ancient Art” and “Yahweh And The Chosen Ones,” and “Cannibalistic Epidemic Continues.” Both are excellent examples of the newer sound they have developed. They are also very catchy, with guitar riffs that have the potential to get stuck in your head, making the songs very memorable.

As Yggdrasil Trembles is a must for die-hard Unleashed fans. If you’ve never had a chance to hear this band, you should pick up this album; you won’t regret the investment.

Release Date: Mar 19, 2010 (world)
April 6, 2010 (USA)
Label: Nuclear Blast

TRACK LISTING

1.  Courage Today,
      Victory Tomorrow!
2.  So It Begins
3.  As Yggdrasil Trembles
4.  Wir Kapituliern Niemals
5.  This Time We Fight
6.  Master of the Ancient Art
7.  Chief Einherjar
8.  Return Fire
9.  Far Beyond Hell
10.  Dead to Me
11.  Yahweh and the Chosen Ones
12.  Cannibalistic Epidemic
       Continues

Total Playing time:  45:07

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Unleashed - As Yggdrasil Trembles