Having released their debut 23 years ago in 2000, Finnish black thrashers Walhalla disbanded the following year then reformed in 2019 with the original bassist/vocalist Ceasar, guitarist Lord Heikkinen and drummer Agathon. The first was then replaced by vocalist Count Penetrator and bassist Jan Varjag before recording the album, with Agathon unfortunately succumbing to cancer during the recording with the job being completed by new drummer Suntio, along with leads being laid down Micko Hell.

The album opens with “Through The Shores Of Acheron”, where slowish chugging guitars and an easy drum tempo get elevated by the impressive kick drum and harsh vocal attack.

A constant drum battery over melodic guitar riffs gives the rather short “Ensemble To The Feast” the right amount of jolt to grab for attention before it slips into the steadier tempo of “The Bride Of The Profane” with its hints of rot ‘n’ roll and abrasive vocals.

There appears to be extraordinarily little of the title in “Peace, Love And Understanding” as the vicious guitars and drums race over the vocal roars.

Slowing things down for a heavier and more measured drum pounding, “Cabin In The Woods” eventually speeds up the drum fills to match the guitars, but then reins itself in so as not to outpace them, which can’t be said for “Demons Over Nordland” where the footwork is easily double-timing the tremolo picking on the guitar.

Approaching black metal territory with “Sinner”, the fast guitars, and drums along with the raspier vocals flow into the rather melodramatic lead break.

“Walhalla Rising” reminds me of Zimmer’s Hole with its high energy delivery and the rapid switching from raspy to death vocals, along with the ultra-cheesy lead break.

Keeping the tempo and energy frenetic, “Morningstar Above” has the drumming blasting during the verses while the vocals are at most half the pace, which works exceptionally well, along with having a far more finely honed lead solo.

A nice tribal drum feel is used for the intro to “Punishment Of The Crippled World” before it escalates into a set of heavy fills over choppy guitar riffs and deep growls.

and if the pace were able to be intensified any further, it is done for “Goat For Kirill” where manic fret runs are followed by the rolling drums and wild screams before a minute of silence takes us to the hidden track “(You’re the) Devil In Disguise” which is an awesome version and adds plenty of gravitas to the original by superbly using death vocals and heavy guitars on the chorus.

(8/10 Marco Gaminara)

https://www.facebook.com/walhallametal

https://greatdanerecords.bandcamp.com/album/release-the-beast