Norwegian Blackened Thrashers DEATHHAMMER are back with their highly anticipated 5th album. Set to be unleashed by their long-term label Hells Headbangers Records on February 25th.
Starting with eerie snarls from the demonic depths and equally spectral guitars before slicing us with piercing riffs that break the flesh like a crude spearhead of true Metal fury. Sergeant Salsten’s maniacal vocals gloriously soar upon waves of crashing drum violence and frenzied riffing, matched by his partner in crime Sadomancer, these terrible twosome only offer the most mean-spirited Thrash Metal and need no others to pollute there deathly concoction. Tracks like “Crushing The Pearly Gates” showcase that aside from the obvious Black / Speed / Thrash Metal inferno, there is a huge influence of traditional Heavy Metal in their use of blistering melodies and anthemic delivery. As always, the sounds harken back to true 80s pioneers from Dark Angel and Slayer to Kreator and Sodom while having something completely unique to their blend of blackened hellfire that ensures this is no mere nostalgia trip but an instantly recognisable tome of total darkness, once more taking us onward to the pits!
Venturing deeper into the LP, the production, aesthetic and general approach is much the same as on the previous works, which I am happy about. DEATHHAMMER is not a band for modernising or appropriating their sound to fit a trend, but a stubborn goat wandering in the wilderness of wimps to slay and destroy all posturing pests in their wake. Forcibly fast, the blasting drums are crazed and feral while the guitar assault is insatiably devilish. Everything about this record stands for true Thrash Metal attitude and execution with the manic and unpredictable yet reliably 80s approach feeling so perfect (but by no means clean). Interestingly, there are some of DEATHHAMMER’s longest songs to date here, with 3 over 7 minutes, giving a rather epic feeling to the albums growth without spoiling the barbaric adrenaline-surge that one gets from this kind of music. Summoning infernal legions with their monstrously sharp sound, this duo of old schoolers play with razor-like precision while having a certain sleaze factor that gives their delivery something likenable to NWOBHM yet with all of the extremism that one would expect. Inarguably an electrifying sound indeed.
From scathing abrasions on “Enter The Morbid” through to the anthemic dual-singles of “Rapid Violence” and “Thirst For Ritual”, we see plenty of dynamics that stay within the fine-tuned arsenal of this Nordic horde, giving us all they have to offer for yet another fantastically fierce experience. This album is one of their more diverse works but I use this word in a relatively manner, of course it is all balls-to-the-wall ferocity and truly manic speeding obliteration, just in a way that showcases refined chops when it comes to writing interesting and gripping music. DEATHHAMMER have always managed to sound tight, yet sloppy at the same time and it really works for making captivating and convincing music that shows attention to detail, rabid passion for Heavy Metal and a complete disregard for trying to fit anyones standards but their own. To disrespect that would be to ignore all Heavy Metal stands for. From their primitive demos of excellence, throughout the EP and albums, right up to this latest offering, DEATHHAMMER are the real deal and will not be backing down. Do not expect to be shown mercy, this is one wild ride.
DEATHHAMMER fly the flag of hate forever, giving us the ultimate in classic Thrash Metal devastation without compromise. If you want progression or pretence, leave the hall! This is a truly baneful metallic attack of apocalyptic proportions.
For further reading, read my interview with DEATHHAMMER here.
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