### Allegiance: Vrede

#### 09/05/08 || Kampfar

Released: 1999

Introduction: Vikings never performed metal, though they sure put it to good use, chopping heads and generally crushing what came in their way using a various set of weapons merged from such materials. Yeah, most of you already knew, but those unfortunate who has formed an image by listening to so called Viking metal alone may think the Vikings kissed and caressed their enemies to death. Sure is an exaggeration this, but at least a rather small one at it. Allegiance is not to blame.

Songwriting: 9. Are you able to conjure a mental soundtrack of Marduk only with a Nordic twist? And I’m not thinking about the lyrics; Swedish at it, praising Odin rather than Satan. No, what I’m onto are riffs and harmonies saturated with a Norse vibe, one not be emulated once we idiots are dead, buried but not forgotten (or, perhaps it will, all the time Drudkh does it pretty fucking well). So, the Nordic feel is sure in place, which, on its own, counts for nothing. What matters is that herein is so much quality and so little filler, even an anorectic supercunt would find it hard make a meal out of the scraps. And, even though it sounds obvious, the killer stuff is sewn and mended by expert hands. You know, Kashmir wool alone won’t make you a fancy sweater. Hand me some, and I’ll show you precisely how to craft the finest of wool into the shittiest sweater imaginable. It’s not like “Vrede” tempts me to dress up in chainmail and grab a sword, as I am a modern man into modern weapons, but its brilliant craft sure fills me with (imagined) powers and a will to kill. Placebo rules.

Production: 9. At one point it was a sign of quality to be taken care of by Peter in his Abyss, though after a while his trademarked sound made bands sound much alike, and that ones from different genres even. Safe to say he made bland bands even more so. But there is no need to nagger on, as Peter understood this years and years ago. Anyway, what differs “Vrede” from many an Abyss job, is that it lets you hear every instrument at hand, the buzz not beating the bass to death here. Fuck no, and let’s not forget the tasty touches courtesy of Mr. Thornell and his boards. Safe to say his effort isn’t thrown into the mix as a useless crack whore should be into a wall; hard and ultimately followed by the loud crack of her skull, that is. Oh no, his shit is implanted with care and (positive) passion, ensuring the fx and atmosphere never subdues (read: Bal Sagoth). So, in short the production is powerful, detailed and balanced, conveying the effort in a near perfect manner.

Guitars: 9,5. Say hello to Pär Thornell, again, a fine fucking guitarist he also is. On “Vrede” he emulates Marduk with ease, at least how they sounded around ’99, but fortunately this is only one part of his axe repertoire. For a full grasp of just how awesome he is, I recommend “Hedna stål (Hymn till Nordens hjältar). It alone makes 95% of all Viking metal unnecessary, and, it contains one of the best solos ever recorded.

Vocals: 9. Not much variety, sure ain’t, but B. War knows who to make the most out of his rasp. He follows every little detail, down to every last nuance, making his vocals, just as every atom of this trio, an integral part of why “Vrede” turned out awesome. He even knows when the music speaks best for itself.

Bass: 8,5. And not only that, as this Mr. War also takes care of the bass duties. He does so, if not brilliantly, at least fucking close to. It of course helps very much that he has an even more defined placing in the mix than Webster has in Cannibal corpse, but all of a sudden that Kashmir sweater came back to mind. I swear, at times his effort pulls the band to peaks they never would have reached if they had a muted mongoloid pulling them fat strings.

Drums: 9,5. Fredrik Andersson sure knows how to blast, “Panzer division marduk” anyone? But if that album fooled you into thinking Mr. Andersson only capable of (top-notch) blasting, I’d like to inform that “Vrede” proves you utterly wrong. There are other albums proving this point, such as “Nightwing”, but none kills the (made-up) argument as hard the beloved subject of review.

Lyrics: 8. I know so very well that all gods are cartoon figures, and that at best, but still I get a mental erection when hearing the name of Odin praised by men obviously able to slay greater prey than wounded insects (men, because here are backing vocals).

Cover art: 5. Well, I sure could compile a better front myself. Not good. I would do so by writing the letters on a much heftier picture, one I would find after searching the net for a minute or so. Still, it is possible that a human was killed or severely injured by the one adorning “Vrede”, hence the rather high score.

Logo: 4. I give them points for including a Thor’s hammer and the beloved ravens of Odin, Hugin and Munin respectively, for their logo looks shitty and cheap. It screams, much like the cover “art”, do not fucking buy me. Then again, where in fucking hell should you buy it in the first place? E-bay? If so, I’m very sure a grim cover and logo won’t put you off.

Booklet: 3. I do not own this CD but a friend of me does, so I know it to be nothing special. It’s not like No Fashion invested shitty lots of money in this recording, obviously. Hell, wouldn’t be surprised if Peter Tägtgren did his part for close to gratis.

Overall and end ranting: 9,5. When all Chlamydia breaks loose, this album will do wonders for my battle spirit. Add a potent mix of mushrooms and killing is ensured. Fuck off, or give me a hug.