Band: Unleashed

Title: Hammer Battalion

Label: SPV - Steamhammer

Distribution: CNR

Release date: 09/06/2008

Review: CD

After so many years (meaning: almost two decades!), Unleashed still haven't lost any of their superb skills. It might be considered a pretty unique band in the (Swedish) scene, because of their combination of ‘Viking', ‘old school' and ‘purity'. The band does indeed sound Swedish, yet there are so many levels that do lift this band up from the average scene in Sweden nowadays. Also Hammer Battalion is a masterpiece that brings epic, powerful and rhythmic old school-inspired Death Metal with many tempo-changes (the overall tempo varies from mid- to up-tempo), almost melodic death grunts ( Johnny Hedlund ), a firm rhythm section and a few sharp yet melodic guitar solos. Hammer Battalion certainly does not sound original or renewing, yet Unleashed is one of those bands that just bring something more, something that proves that they are worth belonging to the top, while so many others just dwell in a sad, pathetic would-be position. No further comment, just: Unleashed still kicks asses!

87/100

Ivan Tibos.