You don’t have to listen for very long to realise that the ninth studio epos from one of Sweden’s prime death metal combos is first class. And I wouldn’t expect less from Mr. Hedlund and his warriors – especially not after 2006’s ‘Midvinterblot’ which, for me, was one of that year’s best metal albums.

‘Hammer Battalion’ sounds a lot like its predecessor. It has the same (excellent) production and the unique Unleashed sound, the same rawness and power.

It does not have, however, the same element of catchiness as ‘Midvinterblot’, and that I do miss, but then again – the full-on assault of the powerful Swedes is indeed to be reckoned with and ought to receive the sign of approval from most death metal fans.

Nice one! In fact, it's, errr, hammer...