Odalheim is the title track of our first conceptual album. It is also a book I have been working on for almost 7 years and never seem to have the time to finish. So we decided to release the "Chapters" as songs on this new album. In fact, the idea behind Odalheim came to me long before the idea about the book but it never took this form until now. I have always had an urge to continue the Viking tradition with something more than just a number of songs about the past, present and future. And more like a story line. The reason for this is the word "mythology" that is often used to describe any and all things Viking. My personal views of this is that the "Norse mythology" is about sagas and…. "mythology" mostly. Not necessarily the "tradition" like it is performed today. The tales of the Norse Mythology ends with Ragnarök and very little is written about what happens after the end of the world. There are a few ideas written down of course in the doctrine….but again….very little.

Unleashed introduced the Viking traditions and values into death metal music back in 1989. We are of course heavily influenced by the Norse tales of old but we also acknowledge the fact that it is the "tradition" that keeps it all alive and that will carry on what's important to the next generations. Therefore, Odalheim is all about the Midgard Warriors that survive Ragnarök and carry on the Viking tradition into the new world. (I call this new world Odalheim). Odal- is the runic letter O, and means land you inherit from your fathers. Heim- means world. So "Inherited World" would be the correct translation.

In the early stages of this new world…..(looking much like the previous one although things are not the same of course in the aftermath of the Fimbulwinter) The Midgard Warriors are constantly fighting the armies of White Christ (the political and religious power of the world) The Midgard Warriors lose greatly in the first couple of battles against the enemy until they finally decide that the only way to survive in the long run is to gather the Battalions of the world. And build an army big and strong enough to go against White Christ in the final stand. The set out on a journey across the world for a number of years, (just like their forefathers the Vikings) to gather the Battalions. Through Scandinavia, North America, Central America and from the very south of the European wastelands to finally march up north again for the final great war of our time. (song nr 11; The Great Battle of Odalheim).

On the fields of Upsala is where the great battle of our time will take place. The outcome of the battle, will show on the next album in two years or so….

Hail Odin!
Johnny