Year: 2024
Total Time: 54:34
Label: Metal Blade
The past is a very nice place to visit, according to a quote, and this phrase applies to the new album by the Swedish band THE CROWN. The album is entitled “Crown of Thorns”, and some older fans will immediately recognize the connection to the band’s early years, since that was their original name. In 1998 the band was forced to change the name, after an American band (which was using the same name), threatened THE CROWN with legal action. For those who are unfamiliar with the band, it was formed in 1990 as CROWN OF THORNS and released two great albums: “The Burning” (1995) and “Eternal Death” (1997).
The new era of THE CROWN began in 1998, picking up exactly where they left off under their previous name, with the powerful album “Hell Is Here”. Over the following years, their career remained impressive as they managed to release several high-quality records. Additionally, it should be noted that although the Swedes initially started as a melodic Death/Black Metal band, after the name change, they slightly altered their style, incorporating in their sound more melodies, as well as Thrash, Punk, and MOTORHEAD-ish elements. This not only enhanced their aggressiveness but also increased the speed of their music.
The connection to the past does not stop at the album’s title, since the band’s original guitarist, Marcus Sunesson, has returned. Marcus’s last appearance was on 2010’s album “Doomsday King”. Additionally, the black-and-white cover art by Giannis Nakos (SUFFOCATION, EMPEROR, KAMELOT, ULTHA) exudes an old-school ’90s vibe. THE CROWN is one of those bands where, before each release, you can be confident that you’re about to hear something good. “Crown of Thorns” surpasses the bounds of what we call “quality” and elevates itself to levels that could be described as really impressive! In their new album, the Swedes have reached new levels, offering a flawless record with not a single weak moment.
THE CROWN’s landmark sound is presented at its best here: crushing Death/Thrash enriched with classic Swedish melodies, speed and blast beats that dominate most of the album. The release is full of highlights, including the opening tracks “I Hunt with the Devil” and “Churchburner,” whose intro pays homage to the mighty SLAYER’s “Postmortem” song. The violent “Howling at the Warfield” and “God-King,” as well as the breathtaking “Martyrian,” with melodies that transport us to the golden era of Swedish melodic Death Metal and “Where Nightmares Belong,” whose female vocals haunt the listener at the end. Even the two mid-tempo tracks of the album, “Gone to Hell” (where Punk elements are detectable) and “The Storm That Comes” (with its ACCEPT influences), offer us a break from the relentless aggression presented at the rest of the record. It should also be noted that the standard edition of the album includes ten songs, however I would recommend checking out the digipack version, which includes three additional songs.
The previous album by the Swedes, “Royal Destroyer”, was released three years ago, following 2018’s “Cobra Speed Venom”. As both albums were great, the question is now: what more could THE CROWN offer us in 2024? Their answer, with “Crown of Thorns”, is iconic, as this year’s album manages to surpass the aforementioned albums in terms of quality. Personally, I believe the band has released their best album since 2002’s “Crowned in Terror”. Additionally, the return of the first guitarist Marcus Sunesson seems to have had a very positive effect, which is reflected in the compositions, particularly in the “haunting” melodies, making them more prominent compared to the band’s recent albums. In conclusion, the Swedes have returned even stronger and angrier, with an album that spits flames while also honouring their roots. “Crown of Thorns” is not only one of this year’s best albums but also one of best albums in recent years of the melodic Death/Thrash Metal scene. A release you must listen to!
Rating: 9/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: THE CROWN – Facebook Page
