ALBUM REVIEW: Royal Destroyer – The Crown

Sweden have been consistently dominant in the world of metal, particularly when it comes to the heavier side of the spectrum. Look no further than THE CROWN as a shining example of this. They have blazed a trail for multiple decades and Royal Destroyer is here to prove they have plenty left in the tank.

Bapitzed In Violence is like a brick to the face with its immediate intensity. Savage blastbeats and a gruesome vocal assault combine to provide a menacing wall of sound that will knock you right on your ass. Let The Hammering Begin! continues the relentless energy with a skull splitting scream and further hefty riffing. The drum work is so rapid that it feels like the track has been accidentally set to fast forward. Motordeath charges onwards with a rampaging ferocity that you dare not come into contact with for fear of losing a limb. Surging thrash infused guitar work sets the tone from the word go and is executed with clinical precision.

Ultra Faust adopts a more restrained tempo in the initial stages, allowing your heart the chance to calm down and stop beating out of your chest. Its dark, evil tones are just a precursor to another wave of savagery. Additional pounding drum beats rattle your bones, feeling like they have zero intention of halting. Glorious Hades harnesses the ominous atmosphere established previously and introduces an enticing melodic stride drenched in groovy hooks and slick lead elements. Full Metal Justice injects some adrenaline into proceedings as the momentum begins to build once more. Vicious vocal venom is unleashed alongside swift instrumentation. A burst of impressive solo work assists in elevating the track.

Scandinavian Satan offers up another compacted burst of fury that arrives, raises hell and leaves in emphatic fashion before Devoid Of Light batters you with downtuned sludgy tones which feel like a nod to the nostalgic offerings of the legendary MORBID ANGEL before rushing headfirst into chaotic drum work. We Drift On continues the varied range of diversity on show with some calming clean sections that are slotted between alluring melodies to provide a particularly uplifting track that is easier to digest than some of its blunt force compatriots. Beyond The Frail doesn’t let that mentality settle in for too long as it dials up the aggressive nature with another round of sharp riffing and devilish drum beats. Absolute Monarchy hits the higher gears for one final barrage of frenzied intensity, sprinkled with scintillating lead flourishes and a parting gift in the form of a commanding drumming performance as the exclamation point.

THE CROWN may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as some that inhabit their realm but to continue firing on all cylinders after such an extensive career in this fashion demands respects. Royal Destroyer is just as formidable as any death metal release which has surfaced thus far in 2021 and will certainly turn the heads of those who have not yet been acquainted. If you are seeking an album that will shatter your jaw if you look at it the wrong way then you’re in for a treat.

Rating: 9/10

Royal Destroyer is out now via Metal Blade Records. 

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