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Keyboards are used but are discreet enough that they don't get in the way - in other words this is still guitar-driven, unlike some bands who let the keyboards take the lead. I wish some bands would take Valhalla's example as to how to use keyboards effectively. Anyway, Valhalla's sound is interesting by the fact that they don't really sound like other thrash bands that I know, there's a catchiness to their songs that is normally not found in most thrash compositions. There's a little "twist" in the guitar sound in almost every song that just sticks to the mind. I'd say get the CD just to hear this somewhat unique sound!

There's a ballad, "The Legacy" that sounds like acoustic guitars are used, and the singer's raw voice certainly makes it interesting, overpowering the instruments on this one. The ballad is also quite melancholic and like most of the album, pretty catchy. Two of the 15 tracks are instrumental and two are sung in German.

With this release, Valhalla certainly gives the thrash genre an interesting breathe of fresh air by enhancing the sound while at the same time keeping the the roots of the genre at the core of the sound. This demo does of course suffer a little from the limitations of the recording method used, and it would be interesting to see what those guys can do with more professional means. Overall, a CD I really enjoy listening to. The songs are available in mp3 format on their web site.