Review: Belzebubs, Texas Hippie Coalition, Shrapnel, Smoulder (Paul H & Matt)

Belzebubs: Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods (Century Media) [Paul H]

So, this was an interesting one to consider. Being an old fart and completely out of touch with the younglings in the world, I had to do quite a bit of research to bring myself up to speed about Belzebubs. A trve kvlt documentary in comic form, originating from a Finnish web comic produced by JP Ahonen and updated every Friday, Belzebubs has been doing the rounds for some time and secured a cvlt following. With the rather mysterious background, the long-expected debut release Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods arrived in the box and it was time to find out what all the fuss is about.

The band comprises Hubbath on bass and vocals, Obesyx on lead guitars, Sløth on guitar and backing vocals and newly joined drummer Samael. Journey into the Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods and what you will discover is 53 minutes of perfectly crafted black metal, similar in style to the likes of Immortal and Dimmu Borgir. Now, I have no knowledge of the musicians behind this project, but this was a very entertaining and enjoyable album which I would recommend for a listen. From the opening Cathedral Of Mourning through to the title track which closes this release, everything is present. Serious amounts of blastbeats, slicing guitar work and guttural rasping vocals combine with symphonic elements and haunting piano. Soaring crescendos, stunning arpeggios and tremolo riffing, and an overall piece of work which excites. Cartoon characters they may be, but Pantheons Of The Nightside Gods works fantastically. 8/10

Texas Hippie Coalition: High In The Saddle (eOne) [Paul H]

Yeehaawww! The thunderous dirty heavy metal of Texas Hippie Coalition is back, with their sixth studio album, High In The Saddle. Since 2016’s Dark Side Of The Black there have been a number of line-up changes in the band, with only vocalist ‘Big Dad’ Ritch remaining from the line-up that formed THC a decade or so ago. With Larado Romo (bass) joining his brother Nevada (guitar) alongside new drummer Devon Carothers and Cord Pool on guitar, it’s pleasing to report that the band’s massive ballsy sound remains as potent as on previous works. It was this sound, combined with the huge vocal of Ritch that had me hooked from early on and there is no change in the grove infested songs that piledrive the listener. Opening track Moonshine and the drinking song Dirty Finger set the scene, crunching riffs and a devil may care attitude which blow those speaker stacks from the opening chords.

Sometimes complexity is a guest I don’t want at the dinner table, preferring the meaty if unsophisticated approach of THC and the like. Bring It Baby is massive, rumbling bass, soaring guitar work and a catchy hook on the chorus all combine to get the head banging with gusto. Ride Or Die slows the pace, an emotional song recounting those who have passed to the other side, Ritch giving a storming vocal performance on a power ballad that knits the album together. Stevie Nicks refers to the Fleetwood Mac singer and connections with witchcraft (ironic given Nicks is an ordained minister) but it’s a corking track, whilst album closer Blue Lights On opens with wailing sirens and an addictive chug as the track pumps along. THC do what they do damn well, and sometimes simplistic balls-out hard rock and metal is what you need. Play it loud. 7/10

Shrapnel: Decade Of Decimation (Candlelight) [Paul H]

A sharp, in your face four track EP from the UK thrashers who have re-recorded three tracks from their debut EP alongside new track Live Vindictive to celebrate their 10th anniversary. One of the most consistent and hard-working bands in the UK, their powerful, ferocious thrash metal has long been a favourite and this EP captures not only the raw power of the early days with Warhead, Rider Of Black and No Saviours, but also the essence of UK thrash metal. Sure, the US influences of Testament and a million others are there but this has a traditionally UK style which works so well. Live Vindictive is faster than anything else on the EP, oozes quality and shades of Slayer and Exodus whilst the twin guitar work is as fierce as ever. With album number three on the way shortly, Shrapnel remain one of the most important UK metal bands. 7/10

Smoulder: Times Of Obscene Evil & Wild Daring (Cruz Del Sur) [Matt]

One member of Smoulder, specifically the one that writes the lyrics, which I assume is frontwoman Sarah Ann is obsessed with swords, so much that this entire album including the artwork mentions a sword or blade at some point. I'm not saying this a criticism mind you I do love a good fantasy lyric and these Canadian epic doomsters have shed loads of them, the superbly titled Times Of Obscene Evil & Wild Daring is a Frank Frazetta painting come to life set to the musical background of classic epic doom metal acts such as Solstice, it's got all the hallmarks, riffs that move from lumbering monstrous crashes through a city (Black Gods Kiss), to some fist pumping traditional metal (Sword Woman) with a palm load of atmospherics to truly immerse you in the fantasy narrative. 

The band are Adam (bass) and Kevin (drums) who give this album it's punchy rhythm section, Colin and Vincent are the guitar slingers while Sarah Ann's vocals are brilliantly evocative for all the might and magic that this album conjures. Times Of Obscene Evil & Wild Daring is the sort of album Grand Magus would write after a 14 hour D&D session but for the massive nerd in me this actually sounds like a bloody good idea. Unfortunately for the Swedish band, these Canadians have got in there first with this fine slab of epic doom metal, 6 tracks of massive riffs, swords, sorcery and some cinematic scoring as well. No Smouldering here this record is on fire! 8/10