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Unleashed: Midvinterblot

11/10/06 || Lord K Philipson

I think that even a dumbfuck like Victoria Silvstedt (if she actually knew what “metal” was) could notice that Unleashed’s been quite a tired band the last 600 years but somehow managed to pick up a little with 2004’s “Sworn allegiance”. That was 2 years ago and in 2006 we are supposed to worship their latest offering, “Midvinterblot”. I hate that fucken title with a passion, by the way. As soon as I put this new album on I noticed a vibe of vitality not found on their later releases (“Sworn allegiance” excluded). The speed, for one, seems to have increased. For reasons unknown I was actually a bit impressed with “Midvinterblot” after the first encounter with it. But after the second, third and 10th time of going thru it, it started to wear a little thin. I should have seen that coming. Really.

There’s not much to say about the sound of Unleashed as all of you most probably know what to expect of them. They sound like they always did. Johnny’s half-growl is the usual ok one, at times unfortunately reminding me of ass-vocalist Cronos of Venom fame. Anders’ drumming is impressive like one have come to expect from him, and finally most of the riffs are quite weak (I get a kindergarten-feeling from alot of them in terms of simplicity), with a few semi-highlights, as always. The majority of the riffage just sounds like something Unleashed’s done over and over earlier in their career.

It seems like the norm for Unleashed is to include some really shitty songs on all of their releases. This time around is no different. The titletrack is definitely up there, complete with a chorus that annoys the fuck out of me. “We must join with him” is another example. I hope my ears are deceiving me but I think Johnny sings “We must join with Sauron” in this one and that’s just… Get the fuck out of here. Not that anything will top their “classic” tune “Victims of war” when it comes to downright shittiness, but hey, at least they are trying. And as if that’s not enough, I just can’t bare with some of Johnny’s incredibly silly lyrics.

One thing that really impresses me, though, are the solos. They play a huge part on this album and it’s easy to understand why since whoever is playing them obviously is one incredibly talented fucker and makes sure to do full-assed stuff instead of half-assed. And I mean that in a good way. The production (obviously courtesy of guitarist Fredrik) is great as well, though turning up Johnny’s bass a little wouldn’t have hurt.

Sure, Unleashed’s never been able to recreate the vibe from the first 2 albums (“Where no life dwells” is a fucken excellent death metal album by all means) and this effort doesn’t change that. “Midvinterblot” is just another Unleashed-release that makes little-to-no difference to me. And 15 songs is way too much.

Johnny states: “I am very confident that this will be the best Unleashed album ever. Our mission is to create one of the most memorable records in the history of death metal!”

Mission failed.

6,5/10.

Best song? “Salvation of mankind”.

Information
Released: 2006
Label: SPV
Website: www.unleashed.se
Band
Fredrik Folkare: guitars
Tomas Olsson: guitars
Johnny Hedlund: vocals, bass
Anders Schultz: drums

Tracklist
01. Blood Of Lies
02. This Is Our World Now
03. We Must Join With Him
04. Midvinterblot
05. In Victory Or Defeat
06. Triumph Of Genocide
07. The Avenger
08. Salvation For Mankind
09. Psycho Killer
10. The Witch
11. I Have Sworn Allegiance
12. Age Of The Warrior
13. New Dawn Rising
14. Loyalty And Pride
15. Valhalla Awaits

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