Spartan Youth

Earlier this year in May, Valhalla Bound would release their fourth and currently latest studio album "Spartan Youth". From the previews that released earlier, it looked as though this album was gonna go for a more punk-orientated direction instead of just copying what the last album did much like with "Force of Violence". But how well will that new style do in the long run?

As expected at this point, the album opens up with a minute long synth intro before moving on to the metal track "Dead Man Stomp". Right away, the guitars sound a lot different. Compared to the more raw synthetized sound from the previous albums, the guitar riffs on this one sound more guitar-like with some punk influences thrown in the mix, which actually sound pretty decent. The bass still remains the same with its deep grooves, as well as that drum machine, though there are some sprinkles of different drum sounds thrown in the mix too, so that's a plus. Of the four album, this album easily has the most punk-sounding record to date, and while I can't say they're perfect, when they're good, they're really good. This is especially the case with my favorite tracks "Spartan Youth" and "Mass Genocides and Terrors", with the former having going all out with the punk influences, while the latter goes for a more straightforward intense black metal style that sounds haunting, yet energetic. The synth interludes haven't changed much, of course, but still remain as strong with the distressing atmosphere in them remaining just as huge. The punk style in this album is done well overall, though I would've loved if they leaned more towards real drums instead of the drum machine.

The vocals are also different. Granted that the crazed screams are still around, there's another vocal style utilized that I'd argue is slightly more fitting to this style of black metal. In the tracks "Spartan Youth" and "Armed", the vocals go for a more epic chant that sounds melodic and even a bit groovy. Not only is this more fitting to the more punk-orientated style of the tracks, but they also sound really good and flow decently with the groovy riffs. For once, Valhalla Bound does an interesting mix between screams and singing that both contrast well off each other and further push out that punk atmosphere in the instruments.

Despite the positives, I can't say it's better than Virgin Hearts for a couple of reasons. The drum machine kind of pulls away from the all-out punk atmosphere, and the screams can feel off-putting at times. Nevertheless, Valhalla Bound arguably pulled off their most sonically diverse album pretty well, and is something I would recommend checking out if you're looking for some sweet blackened punk.