Two years after their EP "One Step Closer To Valhalla", YGGDRASSIL has released their first complete album. Based on the Nordic mythology, "yggdrasil" (the actual spelling) is also known as the tree of life, an immense mythical ash tree that connects the nine worlds. Based on the band's name alone, you can pretty much figure out that their go-to genre is viking metal with melodic death influences. If you are an AMON AMARTH or ENSIFERUM fan, YGGDRASSIL might be your next crush.

"All Shall Burn" starts with an epic two minute intro that sets the tone of the album. Quick drums and fast paced guitar riffs are building up the next number on the record. Great vocals although it's quite difficult to understand the lyrics, which is a pity. Getting to the 3^rd song, "End of Cycle" I started singing the lyrics, which is quite weird due to the fact that one: you cant really understand the lyrics, and two: I haven't listen to the album THAT many times to memorize the song by heart. Starting the song again, and paying more attention to the lyrics I was humming, I started laughing out loud (for real). The song is identical to AMMON AMARTH's "Twilight Of The Thunder God". Some might say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery; I tend to disagree here, if you want to make a name for yourself, don't do it, or at last give credit where credit is due. The song is catchy, but not as catchy as the Swedes.

A battle anthem, "The Horde Above All" I believe would make a great song for a live audience, where one can do some circling with ones hair. "Slaughter Of The Dragon" seems more unpolished (in a good way), it shows their style more, a lot of tempo variations and matching riffs. Listening to "Shield Wall" I couldn't help but think of the TV show Vikings. Remember the battle scene when Lagertha yelled 'shield wall' (the first time) to save Ragnar's ass? Well this song could be it's soundtrack. We even have a female voice mid song that sends a few growls into the air and moves along to a more clean sound. "Shield Wall" is definitely my favorite track.

With "One Last Ride" we can see some more AMON AMARTH influences, pity, but I quite like the song, it's fast rhythm makes me a bit euphoric. Celebrating the wild hunt with "Yuletide" we have another powerful live anthem from YGGDRASSIL, and under the festive halo, one can see the essence of the band. The Spaniards from YGGDRASSIL delivered a powerful album with "All Shall Burn", although, I would advise the band to dig deeper into their own style, and continue on that track. Their unique style is there, if you pay close attention to some songs, you can get a hint of what they're like, and that sound, has immense potential.