After two decades, seven previous studio albums, multi-platinum sales, and sold-out concerts across the globe, Denmark's roots have remained stubbornly consistent in wielding massive, power and thrash metal riffs, passionate rockabilly swagger, and punk rock attitude. Eighth album continues their M.O. while glossing up their sonic approach (a tad) and re-emphasizing the theatrical potential in guitarist/vocalist 's songs. Again produced and mixed by longtime collaborator , is arguably the darkest, loudest, and heaviest album in their catalog --as well as their most accessible. Written in three months, it was recorded in three weeks. With its roiling drumkit and bass intro, opener "Temple of Ekur" is as epic and excessive as its title. The chugging guitar riff, driving tempo, and 's crystal clean, hooky vocals combine to make it a stadium anthem. "The Sacred Stones" commences with a massive -like dual guitar riff from and , underscored by 's thudding tom-toms and kick drums and 's filthy bassline. deliberately channels in his singing. What emerges is a dynamic update of 's approach transformed through 's musicality. "Shotgun Blues" is darker, edgier, and more ferocious. The guitars charge at one another with 1980s thrash metal abandon, forcing to climb above them. The charging drum kit and distorted bassline add ballast and textural dimension. In typical fashion, however, the chorus delivers an infectious lyric hook without sacrificing the heaviness. Contrast this tune with the brutal chug and burn of "Say No More," with its proggy stop-and-start bridge, double-timed drumming, and assaultive guitars. The band know how to throw curve balls, too. "Dagen For" features a guest vocal from of Danish pop heroes . render it an unapologetic AOR anthem with slick, sheeny '80s production, a cruising tempo, and an irrepressible pop melody perfectly melding 's and 's voices. While the proceeding "The Passenger" answers with a punky '80s thrash vamp through the verse, its refrain offers the kind of pop-metal grandeur only -- and vintage , of course -- are capable of summoning. "Becoming" nods at death metal as drums and bass swing under the punishing guitars but again, sends it over the top with a fist-pumping refrain. "Step Into Light" is horrific metallic surfabilly with a soulfully resonant vocal. Closer "Lasse's Birgitta" enters with edgy, reverbed blues and rockabilly guitar vamps before a thrashing "Paranoid"-esque riff asserts the tune's body. 's vocal keeps the band centered even as he sings of witch burning in 15th century Sweden. doesn't offer much in terms of change for . But these 13 songs, penned during a time of great global uncertainty, are wonderfully crafted, beautifully recorded, and performed with an incendiary energy. In other words, they all affirm life, fun, and better days ahead. Rock & roll can ask no more. ~ Thom Jurek