Finnish Black Metal Thrashers, WALHALLA, released their 2^nd album April 28. 2023, "Release The Beast". Walhalla formed in 1996 and then released their debut album in 2000. After which they disbanded and reformed in 2019 with a few changes to the lineup. This is a band with an old-school sound all around, from vocal style to fast paced riffs. "Through The Shores Of Acheron" - This song starts out with an interesting sound, almost like a thunderstorm somehow, but not. The guitar rolls in with a softer, steady beat. Soon to be swept away by a much faster pace, and shrieking vocals. The rich musical notes add morbid feeling and a veil of darkness to a, at times, lonely tune.

"Ensemble To The Feast" - The vocal style throughout this album has an Extreme Metal, shrieks, type of element to it. More and more are present with each song in succession. The musical beat remains rich and powerful, well-articulated and artistic. "The Bride Of The Profane"- I find myself more impressed with the music portions of this song than the vocals. The higher pitch voice tends to wear on you after a while. Yet, the guitar, bass, and drums "slap". There are parts of this song where the vocal style veers away from the higher pitch tones to a much richer, deeper metal growl. I feel if this album had been sung in that style, the rest would have "slapped" too.

"Demons Over Nordland" - Hail to the drummer here!!! As his beat really kicks off this song. As well as setting a tone that carries it throughout. Including a heavy marching beat too. Again, the vocal style is a little off setting to me. Not bad, as a whole; and I'm sure there's many out there who think this style might be just for them. But it isn't quite for me. "Morningstar Above" - This song has a solid tune, "Face melting" if you will. The vocal style seems to mesh a little better in this song as well. I feel there is more of a flow between sounds here. All sounds combine well to make a song with auditory depth and complexity.

All, in all, I have mixed feelings about this album. As I stated above, I dislike the vocal style in some places. Yet, in other places I like it better. I do find the musical composure to be very well written and easy to digest. I feel like this album might be the absolute favorite of some and maybe not so much to others. You will have to check it out yourself and see.