It has been the first year for a long time when the releases in the world of Metal have, for me, been a bit insipid. Few albums have really lit the fires, and despite the occasional bright spark, there is plenty of music that has not excited. However, there has been some quality in the world of Death Metal, and one band who you can rely on to deliver on each occasion is Unleashed.
Unleashed – Fire Upon Your Lands
Release Date: 15 August 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
The Swedish veterans are now on album 15, and with over 35 years behind them, it is no surprise that Fire Upon Your Lands is once again a demonstration that in a hugely competitive market, class is permanent.
Four years since their last album, No Sign Of Life, Unleashed continue stories of the world of Odalheim and for the entirety of the 11 tracks that are on offer, the battles rage.
The snarling guttural vocal delivery of founder Johnny Hedlund remains in place, central to everything that Unleashed do, whilst his bass work underpins the entire sound.
A line-up cemented in stability for over 30 years, it is no surprise that everything here feels natural and organic. But that does not add anything fluffy, for the aggression here is nasty enough to cut yourself on should you tread without care.
Opener Left For Dead explodes into the ether, a rip-snorting statement of intent, and one that bristles with savage intent. It progresses from here as the stories are delivered, as razor-sharp guitar work bursts out of the relentless barrages delivered at punishing speed by Hedlund and drummer Anders Schultz.
A combination of powerful blast beats and thunderous snare delivery ensure that Unleashed are deeply anchored, with Hedlund’s powerful bass fully locked in.
The songs are fast, furious and as heavy as you would expect. It is battle-forged Death Metal and anthem after anthem of pulverising songs that come and go with a brutality that leaves the listener in a heap.
You cannot stand up to tracks like War Comes Again, the crushing burn of Midjardarhaf or the penetration of melody that seeps through To My Only Son. Viking battle hymns are no strangers to Heavy Metal, but few raise the flag with such intensity as Unleashed.
Utilising a production that gives it an edge but also throws in a soundscape of cinematic persuasion, the legions who follow Unleashed will no doubt be stirring from any slumber, ready to seize the day, gather up arms and lay waste.
Reassuring in every respect, the return of another of the Old School is as pleasing as you can get.
Fire Upon Your Lands shows that Unleashed may be veterans, but they still have a bite that can do serious damage.
Unleashed release Fire Upon Your Lands on 15 August 2025 via Napalm Records. For more details, visit napalmrecords.com/unleashed.
