Unanimated – Victory In Blood
Release Date: 3rd December 2021
Label: Century Media Records
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Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Black Metal.
FFO: Therion, Entombed, Dismembered.
Review By: Jordan Burton-Morris
Swedish legends Unanimated have returned from deathless slumber on their new album, Victory in Blood. Conceptually, the follow-up to In the Light of Darkness has been under consideration and partially in the works for the better part of the last decade. While the Annihilation EP served obediently as a stopgap, the abyss beckoned wantonly for a full-length proper. Unanimated answered the call from beyond by writing a veritable horde of new songs – 12 in all – with proverbial newcomers Anders Schultz (drums) and Jonas Deroueche (guitars) contributing vexatiously to yet advancing aggressively upon the band’s occult-inspired oeuvre. Victory in Blood is Unanimated, reborn in flame.
These guys waste no time in getting straight back into where they left off all those years ago on opener and title track Victory In Blood. This album sees us barrelling through harsh riffs, thunderous bass, blast beats and strong gutturals.
Indeed, power has been restored. The infernal might of Old Nick is flowing through Unanimated’s cauterized veins again. While the Swedes have always written for their macabre enjoyment, Victory In Blood is meant for an internal, sepulchral audience. That is to say, the Swedes, as quadragenarians, don’t care if songs like ‘Seven Mouths of Madness,’ ‘Scepter of Vengeance,’ ‘XIII,’ or the outrageously vicious opening title-track aren’t appealing outside the cult. Certainly, if Unanimated’s 3rd-millennium nefarious outbursts didn’t set the stage, then their storming cover of Sarcófago’s ‘Satanic Lust‘ does.
The melodic sections across this album contrast the dark pummelling sounds from all participants, and give the album a sense of diversity, but also emphasise the power and adeptness of the band. As their darkest release to date lyrically, expect a lot of death and satanic references. The darkness blends well with the strong, fast instrumentals, and blend nicely with the melodic sections, and especially tracks like the acoustic interlude ‘With A Cold Embrace‘
Overall, this is a strong album, and a welcome return for the Swede legends. As the album progresses, more layers are revealed, and more versatility is seen. The acoustic sections, as well as the heavy rapidity, show the talent this band have. A great recommended listen!
(4.5 / 5)
