Artist: The Batallion
Title: Stronghold Of Men
Label: Dark Essence 
Cat #: KAR036
Release Year: 2008
Duration: Album
Format: CD 
Packaging Type: Jewel Case

Debut full-length album by Norwegian Blackened Death/Thrash Metal band.

The Battalion are a something of a Bergen/Norway uber-band, containing members and ex-members from such outfits as Old Funeral, Grimfist, Borknagar and Helheim, only this isn't the Black Metal supergroup you'd expect, this is actually the darkest and most old-school Blackened Thrash Metal you can expect.

Helped by a clear, yet raw sound, the guys kick right into "The Spirit Of Masculinity", a track that sums up the complete and utter testosterone injection their music is, think Hellhammer, Bathory and, of course, Old Funeral themselves, and you get a picture of just how damn evil this sounds, it reeks of oldschool, sweat, piss and all./

Following the excellent and anthemic "Born In A Grave", the guys inject some serious Punk into "Detonate", which bears the early 80's feel of bands such as Amebix and Discharge, with heavier guitars and a Metallic aftertaste that is. The wah-wah soloing towards the end is impressive, and then vocalist Stud Bronson seemingly dies with the song…

Recommended if you like: Marduk, Aura Noir, Abbath, 1349, Destroyer 666, Absu, The Crown, Vreid, Aeternus, Cadaver

Track Listing:
1. The Spirit Of Masculinity
2. Born In A Grave
3. Detonate
4. Man To Man (Warfare)
5. Victims
6. Smoke 'em Out
7. Hate At Last Sight
8. Tension In The Stronghold
9. March Of The Veterans
10. Prove Your Pain
11. Last Dawn