Following The Beast, the magnificent second full-length release from Swedish death metal horde, Gormathon, is where Amon Amarth meets Týr. This is mostly due to vocalist Tony Sunnhag’s unique vocal range. For the most part, Sunnhag stays with the throaty death growls, á la Johan Hegg, but his raspy mid-range sounds a bit like Heri Joensen of Týr when he’s accenting the end of a chorus line. Mind you, Gormathon is not just an Amon Amarth clone, but at times, the similarities are uncanny. However, the biggest thing that differentiates the two Swedish bands is Gormathon’s excellent use of melodic clean vocals on its catchy and anthemic choruses. It really sets the band apart from every other band in the genre. Its dozen tracks are injected with an overall Scandinavian metal flavor, even recalling mid-period In Flames at times. “Break The Chains” sees Sunnhag do his best Rob Halford impression on the spine-tingling chorus. “Land Of The Lost,” one of the best songs on the CD, shows the band’s diverse musical skills. It consists of death growls, driving mid-paced chugging, soaring melodic vocal harmonies and a pre-chorus that’s as equally catchy as the actual chorus. Proper CD-closer “Warlords Of Doom” ends in great fashion with its majestic melodies, swirling riffs, quick-paced rhythm and crushing background vocal chants. The two bonus tracks, “Into Oblivion” and “Silent Walk” are also worthy contenders. There’s not really a dull moment throughout Following The Beast. There’s just no way that this album won’t land up on most every music journalist’s 2014 top 10 release list.