Hellman – Born, Suffering, Death
Release Date: 26th January 2024
Label: Black Lodge
Pre-Order/Stream
Genre: Heavy Metal, Death Metal, Death n’ Roll.
FFO: Entombed, Carcass, Dismember, Unleashed.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Death n’ Roll, an intriguing micro-genre, has experienced a revival in recent years. As a fan of all things Swedish (even suströmming), the prospect of discovering another band reminiscent of Wolverine Blues is genuinely exciting. Good Death n’ Roll is a rare find, striking a balance between the anger and brutality of Death metal and the old-school groove of Rock n’ Roll. Hellman, a Chilean band produced by Black Lodge, another of my local labels, aims to capture this niche sound. While I’m personally invested in this, the question remains – are my hopes too high?
If you miss the simplicity of the old days when metal had catchy hooks and songs lasted less than five minutes, capturing the essence of what cassettes sounded like, then Born, Suffering, Death is tailor-made for you. With almost no filler, it delivers potent guitar hooks, thick bass lines, and enjoyable drums. Despite my aversion to fun, this album defines a good time jamming with friends. While maintaining a nasty and crunchy attitude throughout, it’s a reminder that things can’t be too clean all the time.
The guitar tune adopts that beloved Swedish chainsaw style, rancid and disgusting. The vocals, though not groundbreaking, pack a punch to the groove, especially given the album’s relatively short duration – the way Death n’ Roll should be. Despite the plethora of positive aspects, there are a few drawbacks to discuss.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the mix is excessively loud! More dynamic variability, especially with such a fantastic drum performance, would have been appreciated. While early tracks like Bringer of Death and Unnecessary Consuming certified bangers, the other songs, while enjoyable, didn’t induce headbanging as intensely. A touch more variety could have enhanced the overall experience, considering this is essentially old Entombed with modern production. It’s important to note that sensitive individuals or those who have experienced abuse may find uncomfortable lyrics, as seen in Where Was God.While Hellman may not have broken new ground with this offering, it remains an enjoyable ride for enthusiasts of old-school Swedish Death metal. It’s a fun listen that demands little effort or patience to appreciate. I recommend giving it a try and returning to a time when jams had a spitting bucket nearby!
(3 / 5)
