UNLEASHED — As Yggdrasil Trembles (review)

UNLEASHED — As Yggdrasil Trembles album cover

Album · 2010 · Death Metal

4/5 · 2023-01-14
UMUR

"As Yggdrasil Trembles" is the 10th full-length studio album by Swedish death metal act Unleashed. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in March 2010. It´s the successor to "Hammer Battalion" from 2008. After a longer hiatus Unleashed made a comeback in 2002 with their 6th full-length studio album "Hell's Unleashed" and had up until the release of "As Yggdrasil Trembles" had a rising curve in the quality of their releases.

It´s safe to say that "As Yggdrasil Trembles" continues the upward trend as it´s another high quality Swedish death metal release as only Unleashed make them. The lyrical themes are as usual vikings, Scandinavian mythology and war, which are themes working perfectly hand in hand with the brutality of the music. Unleashed were always a pretty straight forward death metal act and their tracks are predominantly vers/chorus structured with a guitar solo in the middle, and the tracks on "As Yggdrasil Trembles" don´t surprise, as Unleashed have opted for a similar approach on this album too.

So at times the songwriting can seem a bit formulaic and it´s been a minor issue on some of the band´s previous releases, but on "As Yggdrasil Trembles" the songwriting is on a higher level than usual and there are simply more killer riffs/solos and more instantly catchy sing/scream along choruses featured on this particular release than most of the band´s preceding releases (save for the first couple of death metal classics in their discography). It´s a perfect time in their career to shine again and pull out a consistent quality album. Most of the band´s post-2000 releases have been of a decent quality, but few have been consistent and most have featured a few filler tracks. I could mention any track off "As Yggdrasil Trembles", and they would be a memorable high quality song.

"As Yggdrasil Trembles" features a powerful, raw, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly. It´s one of the best sounding releases Unleashed have ever produced. Guitarist Fredrik Folkare is credited for producing the album, and much praise should go out to him for that job.

Unleashed are as well playing as ever. They can play both heavy mid-paced death metal riffs and beats but also play more fast-paced like they do on "Return Fire". They seem at ease with all paces and successfully use tempo changes for effect and variation. Lead vocalist/bassist Johnny Hedlund has a distinct sounding and intelligible growling delivery. His performance here is strong and personal. Folkare has been mentioned for his high quality production job, but he should be mentioned for his many well played guitar leads too. His solos bring a lot to the music.

So upon conclusion "As Yggdrasil Trembles" is a high quality death metal release by Unleashed. It should please the fans of the band, but could also be a good starting album for new listeners interested in giving Unleashed a chance. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.