Band: Panzerchrist
Title: Regiment Ragnarok
Label: ListenAble Records
Distribution: Suburban / Bertus
Release date: April 2011
Review: CD

Panzerchrist were formed in 1994 by Michael Enevoldsen after he left Illdisposed. Main goal: creating music that is even harder than Illdisposed. Michael succeed(ed)! Both first albums were successful and pretty interesting at that time, yet as from the very end of last century, the band evolved into the current sound, which is much more War-oriented in all aspects: lyrics, compositions and performance. And personally I think Panzerchrist are one of the best Death formations from Denmark ever. Albums like Battalion Beast or Roomservice are killers, monsters, the ultimate panzer-tanks from Hell and Earth.
It took quite a time – since the 2006-studio album there weren’t but two compilations (through Mighty Music) (and a vinyl 7”EP as well, by the way) – but now the sixth studio release is a fact, finally. And believe me or not, but Panzerchrist return even stronger, harder, faster!
Regiment Ragnarok was recorded with e.g. new vocalist Magnus Jørgensen of Urkraft-fame, after Bo Summer (ex-Illdisposed too) left. And even though Bo was a magnificent growler, Magnus fits perfect to Panzerchrist’s Blast / War / Death Metal. His grunts are abyssal and sulphuric, and he too uses blackish screams to make it all sound happy and joyful.
Instrumentally and when it comes to the compositions, Regiment Ragnarok continues where Battalion Beast ended. The terror-speed apocalypses come with artillery drums, a massive wall of guitar lines and brutish bass parts, all nicely balanced and mixed. Don’t expect much variation, because you won’t find it, except for some moments. No fear, ‘cause this album is an unstoppable and on-going ear drum damaging with a sadistic, almost mardukian addiction. War ‘till the end!
I do prefer the former album, Battalion Beast (reason: more differentiation between the tracks), but Regiment Ragnarok is a Panzerchrist-recording, and that says it all, doesn’t it?!

85/100

Ivan Tibos.