Most people reading this know of the Big 4 that being Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth but in Sweden there is also a Big 4. Those bands are Grave, Entombed, Dismember, and Unleashed. Now I’ve already done Entombed and Grave so now on the chopping block is Unleashed. Of those 4, this is probably the one I’ve listened to the least so let’s take a look…….
Where No Life Dwells- older death metal albums tend to have not so great recordings but this one surprisingly isn’t that way. For a debut album it does sound pretty good. Now it might’ve been a remastered version I’m not sure but it’s a good start. This one gets 9/10
Standouts: Before The Creation Of Time, The Dark One, For They Shall Be Slain
Shadows In The Deep- ok so this one basically sounds the same as the last one. The difference here is that it maybe sounds a little grittier. For some reason the first record sounds better than this one and I like the vocals better on the first album. They don’t sound quite as guttural on here. I’ll give this an 7/10
Standouts: Never Ending Hate, A Life Beyond, Crush The Skull
Across The Sea- I really like the guitar tone on this record. It doesn’t sound quite as distorted as the first two and it teases that line of being clean and distorted at the same time. Not sure how to describe it just listen to the album. The production on this one still isn’t that great but I really enjoyed this one. 8/10
Standouts: I Am God, Execute Them All, The One Insane
Victory- I’m not sure about this album. I really wanted to like this one more but I couldn’t. I just found it kind of boring. Sometimes it’s better to wait a little longer than two years in between albums. There are some good moments but as a whole this album just didn’t do it for me. 6/10
Standouts: In The Name Of God, Scream Forth Aggression, Berserk
Warrior- this one seems to be more on the thrashier side. It’s a step up from Victory and I guess these guys were just in the mood to make a thrashier record. This one also has some groove to it as well. I give this 8.5/10
Standouts: My Life For You, Mediawhore, Death Metal Victory
Hell’s Unleashed- alright so this is a perfect example of waiting for a few years and then making a new album. To me this sounds like a proper Unleashed record. In fact, I even get some later Entombed vibes from this one. One thing I’ve noticed about these guys is that the lyrics can be kinda corny. I’ll give this one 7/10
Standouts: Don’t Want To Be Born, Demons Rejoice, Peace Piece By Piece
Sworn Allegiance- this one continues where the last one left off in terms of sound. I feel like we are now getting more into death metal territory and away from that death n roll sound. There is even some hints of black metal (see Satyricon) on here. We finally have our first 10/10
Standouts: Insane For Blood, Only The Dead, I Bring You Death
Midvinterblot- I’ve said it before but I feel like from the years 2003-2007, there were some really solid death metal albums particularly Swedish death metal. This definitely falls into that category. I mean if I were to start with an album from these guys, I might start here. Seriously this is probably one of their best. Definitely gets a 10/10
Standouts: Blood Of Lies, In Victory Or Defeat, I Have Sworn Allegiance
Hammer Battalion- I guess one would think that a few albums after a hiatus would slow them down but that’s not the case. Now while I will say that it’s not quite as strong as the last few, this is still a great record. There are a few filler moments here and there but overall, a good record. I give this one 9/10
Standouts: Warriors Of Midgard, Entering The Hall Of The Slain, Your Children Will Burn
As Yggdrasil Trembles- so by now one should have known (at least by now) that these guys are a Viking death metal band and this album could be an Amon Amarth album just not as epic. The one thing that I will say stands out the most is the guitar work. It’s probably some of their best. Have they broken new ground with this? No but they don’t need to. 9/10
Standouts: This Time We Fight, So It Begins, Far Beyond Hell
Odalheim- this one has more of a blackened metal feel to it. It’s definitely different. Even the album cover reminds me of a black metal band. This one I would have to say is their most unique album by far. Now there are bands that try something new and it fails and then there are bands that try something different and succeed. This one’s the latter and for that I give this 10/10
Standouts: Fimbulwinter, Vinland, By Celtic and British Shores
Dawn Of The Nine- this one has some catchy riffs and hooks to it. I feel like as they keep making new albums, the keep getting better. Again the guitar and drum work really standout on this album. I do like that they’ve also managed to add some groove to their later work too. 9.5/10
Standouts: Where Is Your God Now?, The Bolt Thrower, Land Of The Thousand Lakes
The Hunt For White Christ- again continuing where the last record left off. I feel like they’ve found their niche and have stuck with it. There isn’t really a whole lot to say here. I mean it’s really just more of the same. I hope that this means that they don’t get stale but for now, this is an enjoyable album but don’t expect anything new or exciting. 9/10
Standouts: Stand Your Ground, Terror Christ, You Will Fall
No Sign Of Life- this one definitely feels sped up. Not to say that the others weren’t but this one has upped the tempo and it is awesome. I guess the question of them getting stale is answered on here and while it doesn’t completely stray away from the last few, it does sound different and fresh. I really enjoyed this one and give it 10/10
Standouts: Where Can You Flee, No Sign Of Life, Did You Struggle With God?
Ok well that one was a little longer than what I expected. I will say that these guys could be the AC/DC of Swedish death metal simply because they’ve got so many albums. There were some highs and lows but overall, these guys have a great catalogue. Now you can’t really compare them to Amon Amarth because they really don’t sound the same. I mean if you thought Amon Amarth were the first Viking death metal band then you’re kidding yourself.
Album Rankings:
- Midvinterblot
- Odalheim
- No Sign Of Life
- Sworn Allegience
- Dawn Of The Nine
- As Yggdrasil Trembles
- Where No Life Dwells
- Hammer Battalion
- The Hunt For White Christ
- Across The Sea
- Shadows In The Deep
- Warrior
- Hell’s Unleashed
- Victory
Sinister Reviews 