After a six-year journey since The Crown rocked the metal world with Cobra Speed Venom, and a follow-up that didn’t quite match the energy, they return with Crown of Thorns. This album marks their twelfth full-length and reflects a band confident in their legacy yet hungry for evolution. With the renaissance of guitarist Marcus Sunesson after more than a decade and the engagement in new dynamics, The Crown seeks not only to reaffirm their dominance in the death/thrash scene but also to explore refreshing dimensions within their sound.
“I Hunt with the Devil” opens the album with blistering speed and a raw, aggressive edge that immediately lets you know The Crown means business. The track’s vivacious energy is a curtain-raiser that sets a fierce tone and rhythm for the echoes of thrash intertwined with death metal fury, ensuring listeners remember their signature relentless style.
Leading into “Churchburner,” we see a polished groove at play, weaving crushing riffs that meld with Johan Lindstrand’s commanding vocals. This track stands out not just for its power, but for its melody that cuts through the aggression, a nod to the band’s roots that was envisioned for this record as a step outside their comfort zone.
The return of Marcus Sunesson is felt significantly throughout “Martyrian,” where the intricate guitar work weaves melody into ferocity, serving as a testament to his influence in reshaping the band’s sound. The new rhythm section featuring Mattias Rasmussen and Mikael Norén adds depth and freshness. Tracks such as “Gone to Hell” provide testosterone-fueled dynamics with heavier, riveting undertones reflecting a collaborative resurgence among old and new members.
Album centerpiece “Howling at the Warfield” juxtaposes speed with craftsmanship in guitar solos, providing an addictive resonance that sticks long after the brutal outro. The elements of controlled chaos within this track undoubtedly showcase the rejuvenated creative process mentioned by Marko Tervonen, adding varied textures contrasting their dominion in both melody and brutality.
While The Crown’s brutal backbone remains intact, “The Night is Now” ventures into a darker, melodic abyss, encapsulating brooding black metal nuances with a thrilling crescendo. This song underscores the courage in their evolved artistic expression woven into Crown of Thorns, setting it apart from “its siblings,” as Marko describes, hinting at their preceding works.
With “God-King” and “The Agitator,” the band continues channeling explosive energy; however, the mix of melody and raw power becomes their sharpest weapon. Johan Lindstrand’s vocals continue to drive the epicenter of the storm, never faltering in intensity.
The album’s most distinct moment surfaces in “Where Nightmares Belong,” where genre boundaries are pushed. The unexpected lullaby vocals by Elina paired with Johan’s a cappella metal tribute offer a haunting finale to the narrative. This not only exemplifies creative storytelling but showcases a willingness to boldly redefine their auditory palette.
The epic closer, “The Storm That Comes,” encapsulates the album perfectly, entwining their history and newfound intensity. The interspersed melancholic lyrics invite listeners to contemplate, adding a personal depth that’s both introspective and compelling.
In Crown of Thorns, The Crown presents a richly layered collection that balances legacy and innovation. They deliver a powerful reminder of their prowess while embracing a more nuanced execution.
My favorite tracks are “I Hunt with the Devil,” “Churchburner,” and “Howling at the Warfield.” They best reflect the fervor and creative breadth of this album.
Final Rating: 8/10
THE CROWN:
Johan Lindstrand – vocals
Marko Tervonen – guitar
Marcus Sunesson – lead guitar
Mattias Rasmussen – bass
Mikael Norén – drums
THE CROWN Live:
11/23/2024 Gothenburg Hall Of Metal – Gothenburg, SE
3/15/2025 Heidelberg Deathfest 25 – Heidelberg, DE
Crown Of Thorns was recorded by Marko Tervonen (Studio-MT), mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (Black Lounge Studios), and will be released on jewel case CD (US), limited digipak CD with three additional studio songs (EU), and digital formats, as well vinyl in the following color variants:
Black + White Split (US)
180g Black (EU)
White Black Marbled (EU)
White Black Dust (EU – Ltd. 300)
Iron-Grey Marble (EU – LP + bonus 7″, slip mat, patch – Ltd. 500)
Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/thecrown
More Info:
https://thecrownofficial.com
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https://www.instagram.com/thecrownband
https://x.com/thecrownsweden
https://www.youtube.com/user/thecrownsweden
