ALBUM PREMIERE: Hessian take cues from the old guard of classic rock and deliver "Mercenary Retrograde"

On September 14th 2018, HESSIAN will release their new album “Mercenary Retrograde”.

It took five years for Hessian to get their Bachelor of Black Arts, now it’s time to accept their Master’s diploma. The Portland, Maine-based heavy metal band garnered a substantial amount of recognition for their EP and debut album - including a coveted spot as Fenriz’s Band of the Week.

Mastermind Angus McFarland oversaw every stage, from sitting at the kitchen counter studying heavy metal harmonies of “the Old Ones of heavy metal” to touring nationally and playing festivals in Sweden and the UK. After a complete upheaval in line-up, Hessian are now ready with their second album “Mercenary Retrograde”.

“The title of the album reflects the history of the band at the time of writing. Mercenary because the band consisted of hired guns, and Retrograde because we are always looking back to the Old Ones of heavy metal for inspiration.”

While Thin Lizzy are held in exceptionally high regard around Camp Hessian, there’s appreciation for any of the old guard in early metal and heavy rock - even some thrashier material as well

Hessian have been through the wringer, but perseverance and a wholehearted belief in heavy metal have allowed them to prevail. “Mercenary Retrograde” is a triumphant record that looks proudly at the past and future simultaneously. You can check out the album in full below and preorders are available HERE

Band info: facebook|| bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: 1968, "Ballads of the Godless"

By: Dominic Walsh

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/07/2018

Label: Independent

There is always demand for heritage and that retro rock and roll sound and 1968 are more than capable purveyors.

“Ballads of the Godless” DD//LP track listing:

1). Devilswine

2). Screaming Sun

3). Temple of the Acidwolf

4). S.J.D.

5). Chemtrail Blues

6). McQueen

7). The Hunted

8). Mother of God

The Review:

Formed in 2013 out of a chance meeting between Sam (Orr, guitars) and James (Coppack, vocals) 1968was created out of their love for many legendary albums created in the year that signalled the beginning of a darker, heavier movement in music and popular culture; a period in time characterized by an evolving socio-political environment, the end of the colourful ‘Summer of Love’ era and the dawn of a more cynical cultural landscape defined by the Manson murders and the Altamont tragedy.

1968’s previous EP’s may have been well received and they’re not shy of throwing their influences in the spotlight. The big difference between “Fortuna Havana” and their debut album is that the band have added a heavy level of grunge to their sound. So whilst Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Jimi Hendrix are all prevalent, there is also more than a heavy smattering of Alice In Chains and Soundgarden.

“Devilswine” opens up the album in scintillating fashion and pulls many styles into its glorious mix. Towering riffs blow you away more than once as you voyage through the track. Dan Amati’s drumming is brilliant throughout and it’s his range of tempos and styles that set off this exciting opener. Its abrupt ending gives way to the chug of “Screaming Sun” which sees strained vocals play off against more melodic backing vocals.

“Temple of the Acidwolf” is pure Alice In Chainsworship in the harmonic vocal delivery. The lead guitar work is tripped out as the vocals get gradually more psychedelic. The whole trip, literally and metaphorically, is quite sublime. The same can be said of one of the albums highlights, “McQueen”. Building gradually throughout its near 7 minute duration, the peak of the track is excellent and begs your attention.

As the title suggests, “Chemtrail Blues”is a bluesier affair – this is not tender though. Distorted guitars, rolling bass and more crashing drum work help elevate the track away from the standard blues fair. “The Hunted” plays with a more upbeat tempo and traditional feel akin to the more trad feel of “Fortuna Havana”. “Mother of God” closes out the album as a more jam laden instrumental. It fades out in the same way the album fades in; a swarming maelstrom of feedback.

1968 aren’t reinventing the wheel, but they’re playing with the motion of that wheel. Some of the production on the album dips here and there, maybe due to split responsibility but with that being said, “Ballads of the Godless”is a solid step in the right direction after some excellent EP’s. There is always demand for heritage and that retro rock and roll sound and 1968are more than capable purveyors.

“Ballads of the Godless” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Wytch Hazel, "II: Sojourn"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 13/07/2018

Label: Bad Omen Records

Just how good and revered this album is and will be is not yet known, but there is no doubt that all the elements are there for this to become at the least an underground hit.

“II: Sojourn” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). The Devil Is Here

2). Save My Life

3). Still We Fight

4). Wait On The Wind

5). See My Demons

6). Barrow Hill

7). Chorale

8). Slaves To Righteousness

9). Victory

10). Angel Take Me

The Review:

Undoubtedly the best medieval inspired hard rock band in the North West of England (!) Wytch Hazelare back with this second full length album. They have retained their vintage sound and peculiarly English sense of style on this excellent return. Much like their debut, “Prelude”, the band play very assuredly and with considerable flair; the guitar work is fleet footed and the rhythm section is very tight indeed.

If the band were going for a classic Wishbone Ash crossed with Thin Lizzy by way of Jethro Tullvibe... they have succeeded admirably. Messrs Downey, Lynott, Gorham and Robertson/Moore/White/Sykes (or Bell) would be hugely pleased if they came up with the fiery work displayed on “Save My Life” or storming opener “The Devil Is Here”. The word here is classic: classic sound, well delivered  songs and timeless in themes and scope.

There are bursts of pace (“Still We Fight”) to go with anthemic choruses. There are mellow and melancholy tracks (“Wait On The Wind”) and not a duff track in sight in the ten on offer here. This is English hard rock of the best vintage (1972-1978) and actually manages to conjure up the wistfulness  that the aforementioned Wishbone Ash did so convincingly on their classic “Argus” full length.

Just how good and revered this album is and will be is not yet known- it needs more time to bed in than the two weeks I have had it for review; but there is no doubt that all the elements are there for this to become at the least an underground hit. From the lush acoustics of “Barrow Hill” to the instrumental bombast of “Chorale”, the ingredients are here.

Wytch Hazel pursue the same path to its logical conclusion via “Slaves To Righteousness”, “Victory” and the closing “Angel Take Me”. The only possible fly in the ointment for some listeners may be the somewhat spiritual/religious aspect to the record- but it was there on the debut too. It doesn't bother me but you may feel differently; your call.

What we have here, then, are ten tracks of finely crafted English hard rock in the classic style. There are no songs about girls, no songs about cars, only loud guitars and a longing for another, simpler time. Fantastic.

“II: Sojourn” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Against The Grain - "Cheated Death"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 09/02/2018

Label: Ripple Music 

For fans of speedrock, "Cheated Death" is a record to get a hold of. It flows from start to finish and makes no issue of being entirely indebted to their peers. The tunes speak for themselves, really, and its Against the Grain's sharp sense of melody and keen songwriting prowess that gives this band that je ne sai qoui

“Cheated Death” CD//DD//LP track listing:

01. Cheated Death
02. Full Of Smoke
03. Sacrifice
04. No Sleep
05. Last Chance
06. Devils And Angels
07. High Heeled Woman
08. Rolling Stone
09. Enoughs Not Enough
10. Going Down Fast
11. Jaded And Faded
12. Into The Light

The Review:

Ok, I've done the math for you. The press release laid so much emphasis on Against The Grain's tenure as a live band, I had to do the math. The answer? Since Against The Grain got started in 2009, the band has averaged one show every 3 and a half days. That's pretty impressive. And if you're curious what this equation has to do with Against The Grain's new album, "Cheated Death," well, let me explain.

Coming out of the Motor City, Against The Grain plays motor rock. That's kind of a no-brainer. Speed rock, whatever you want to call it. It's what these boys from Michigando. This music calls upon those who play it, to play it fast, hard and most of all tight. Imagine a sloppy speedrock band. It just doesn't work. One show every 3 and a half days has made this band from Michigan become a unit, and the results are finger-licking good.

Against The Grain lay their claim to the genre from the offset. Opener and title track shows exactly how tight they are, and from that point on, the band never lets up. They just keep on going. From the throaty "Rolling Stone" to the punkish highlight of "Jaded and Faded," Against The Grain lives up to their song titles, album title and artwork. They're raw, they're tough and they're going to do this until they die.

So yes, Against The Grain is one tight band. All those days out on the road can be heard on these recordings. Whether its the double guitar soloing in "Last Chance" that reminds me of Thin Lizzyor the vocal harmonies in "Going Down Fast" that brings up KISS at their least annoying, Against The Grain have really stepped up their game here.

For fans of speedrock, "Cheating Death" is a record to get a hold of. It flows from start to finish and makes no issue of being entirely indebted to their peers. The tunes speak for themselves, really, and its Against The Grain's sharp sense of melody and keen songwriting prowess that gives this band that je ne sai qoui

“Cheated Death” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp