Review | The Haunted – Songs Of Last Resort

Century Media Records

Eight years of silence is a long time. In metal terms, it’s practically a generation. But The Haunted is back and they immediately prove they haven’t lost an ounce of their edge. `Songs of Last Resort’ is no fan-service filler, it’s a straight-up sledgehammer of a record that sounds like the band’s blood is pumping harder than ever. Where previous albums like `Exit Wounds’ and `Strength in Numbers’ revolved around pure aggression and groove, The Haunted now opt for more cohesion and depth. There’s structure. There’s direction. And above all: there’s fire. This is a band that has nothing left to prove, and still goes out and proves it.

RAZOR-SHARP AND FULL OF VENOM

The album kicks off with ,,Warhead”, and it hits like a punch to the chest. The riffs slice, the drums thunder, and Marco Aro’s vocals sound like he’s spitting out liquid fury. It’s followed immediately by ,,In Fire Reborn”, a slightly more melodic track that doesn’t lose an ounce of intensity. This is a band unafraid to embrace melody while holding on to its raw, aggressive core.

,,Death to the Crown” and ,,Unbound” lean more into groove with a dark undertone. The energy never drops, and the tempo shifts keep you on edge. ,,To Bleed Out”, on the other hand, is an emotionally charged track that blends melancholy and rage, adding a deeper layer to the album. One of the absolute standouts is ,,Collateral Carnage”, with its industrial edge and layered guitar work. It’s easily one of the most dynamic songs on the record.

And then there are the closers: ,,Labyrinth of Lies” and ,,Letters of Last Resort”. Here, the band slows things down – not to catch their breath, but to slowly choke the listener in a suffocating atmosphere. It’s dark, ominous, and masterfully constructed. A fitting counterbalance to the brutal force of the opening tracks.

A SHIFT IN TONE, NOT IN POWER

What really sets this album apart from its predecessors is the thematic weight. No longer a collection of scattered bursts of fury, this is a record with a clear narrative arc. War, power, paranoia, these themes run like blood through the veins of each track. The band sounds more focused and mature, without sacrificing intensity.

The production, handled by Jens Bogren (known for his work with Opeth and Arch Enemy), is crisp yet powerful. Everything sits exactly where it should. The guitars bite, the bass rumbles with thickness, and the vocals are raw and honest. No overproduction, no frills. Just the way it should be.

THE HAUNTED – THE CONCLUSION

`Songs of Last Resort’ is no last resort, it’s a bold new chapter. The Haunted sounds precise, inspired, and unapologetically fierce. They drag you into a storm of riffs, grooves, and pent-up fury, but this time with an added layer of urgency and emotional depth. This is not a band on autopilot. It’s a band with something to say.

In short, this is The Haunted with renewed focus: razor-sharp, layered, and ruthlessly effective. Long-time fans will be pleased with the return to their roots, while new listeners will be swept away by the sheer intensity and atmosphere. The balance between energetic thrash, melodic death metal, and subtle groove elements makes this album a worthy addition to their discography.

Release date: 30 May 2025