With their latest release continuing the post-apocalyptic saga of Odalheim, Swedish death metal veterans UNLEASHED forge ahead with mythic conviction and sonic brutality. We caught up with bassist and vocalist Johnny Hedlund to discuss the deeper themes behind the album, the evolution of the Midgard Warriors, and what happens when Vikings step into a kitchen.

“Hold Your Hammers High!” feels like a rallying cry for modern times. In what ways do you see the battles of Odalheim reflecting real-world struggles today?

Well, it doesn’t. It is a story about the future. The Viking tradition of the past, present and into the future. Meaning the Midgard Warriors way of life obviously inspired by the forefathers past, brought into the present and into the future. But the storyline of the world of Odalheim is really a post-apocalyptic story.

You mentioned that the war has changed the warriors of Midgard—how does this evolution reflect in the album’s musical or lyrical tone compared to previous records?

I would think that anyone who has been in real war will change. It is inevitable. War changes you. Most people I have read about that have been to war will not be the same person as after it is over. Well, if ever. Now, It can also reflect on the fact that life is a constant war, our songs are also about the fact that life is a battle and we have to overcome a thousand things along the road and prepare for them in order to win. Surrendering is not an option.

Tracks like “To My Only Son” introduce more haunting, doom-laden elements. Was this a conscious expansion of your sound, or something that emerged organically during songwriting?

If we’re speaking of the lyrical content here, I’d say it is more emotional content than usual perhaps. But it is in the storyline and has its place as the journey unfolds. A warrior about to die writing his last words to his only son back home, knowing they will never meet again.

With “Fire Upon Your Lands” continuing the saga against ‘White Christ,’ how do you approach writing conceptually without losing accessibility for new listeners?

Most of our songs can be pulled out of the actual storyline and be enjoyed as just any Unleashed song of our past. They are a part of the storyline of course, but their content very often, if not always, can be put into the battle of life and be a story or a part of your everyday life right now. At least that is how I have made them and hopefully that is how people will perceive them.

UNLEASHED has long been a pillar of the Stockholm death metal scene. What does it mean to carry that legacy forward into 2025, and how do you see your influence on the next generation of extreme metal bands?

I can only hope we brought some inspiration and courage to the scene. But I think that is for others to judge, really.

Fredrik and Tomas have delivered some razor-sharp solos on this record—can you share any specific gear, tunings, or techniques that were essential in capturing the ferocity of tracks like “A Toast to the Fallen” or “Hold Your Hammers High!”?

Fredrik plays all solos on our albums as Tomas only does Rhythm guitar. I would not even try to guess his techniques and such, haha. Sorry about the short answer.

If the Warriors of Midgard were forced to swap their hammers for kitchen utensils for one day—what would each band member wield, and who’s most likely to start a Viking cooking show?

Haha… oh well, if anyone in this band would start a cooking show it would involve a number of dead people. Cooking for sure isn’t our strong suit, that’s for damn sure. However… can you “eat” irish coffee? Then perhaps that would be my choice.

UNLEASHED’s latest album continues to forge the steel of Norse mythology with unrelenting power. Hold your hammers high, indeed—the battle for legacy is far from over.

“Fire Upon Your Lands” track listing:

1. Left For Dead
2. A Toast To The Fallen
3. The Road To Haifa Pier
4. War Comes Again
5. Fire Upon Your Lands
6. Loyal To The End
7. Midjardarhaf
8. Hail The Varangians!
9. To My Only Son
10. Hold Your Hammers High!
11. Unknown Flag

Out August 15, 2025 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW

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Categories: Interviews, Music, Unleashed

Tags: Capital Chaos TV, death metal 2025, death metal legends, extreme metal, Fire Upon Your Lands, Hold Your Hammers High, Johnny Hedlund interview, Midgard Warriors, Norse metal concept albums, Odalheim album, post-apocalyptic metal, Stockholm metal scene, Swedish death metal, To My Only Son, Unleashed band, Viking metal, Viking mythology metal