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Bands are listed alphabetically, with individuals listed by last name.

Review Archive: H

H.A.T.E. - Rage · DEMO
After seeing the skull and pot leaf cover, I was ready to really make fun of these guys, but as it turns out, this isn't too bad. It's super intense, and seems to be more Hardcore than anything else. The ultra clear, but somehow thick, production heightens the band's technical abilities, and they know how to keep the songs catchy. Occasionally the vocals enter "tough guy" territory, but I'm not convinced that it's intentional. I guess you can't judge a demo by its cover, either. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

H.A.T.E. - Two Wrongs Make A Right · DEMO (CD)
Up until the point when you start to listen to it, everything about this disc leads you to think that this would be just another typical Hardcore album, from the cover art, to the lyric sheet, to the name of the band (which apparently stands for Hostile Attitude Towards Everything). But pop it in and you will find a slightly different animal. While they obviously come from a Hardcore background, they have injected a lot of elements from Death Metal into their music, from the growling vocals to the dark sounding guitar tone. This stylistic melding really adds a lot of power to the music, raising this act from the masses of other sometimes generic Hardcore bands out there. Worth listening to. I’ll enjoy hearing what these guys come out with next. - 8 - <Doktor Necrosis> **MC12**

HADES - $avior$elf · Metal Blade
The return of HADES. And with a concept album against organized religion and discussing other parts of American society, no less. I’m very happy to report that they have resisted the urge to add any NWOHSCPM (New Wave Of Homosexual So-Called Power Metal) influences to their classic Thrash sound. You can certainly tell that these guys were an influence on bands like SOLITUDE AETURNUS, and it’s good to have them back. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

HADES - Resisting Success · Exist to Resist
This reissue of the band's 1986 Thrasher has been compeltely remastered and has two bonus tracks (both available on other albums). It's an interesting piece of history, and certainly these guys are super talanted, and also super cool, but I at least have to be in the right mood to listen to this these days. - 8 - <Ray>

HADES - Exist to Resist · Black Pumpkin
This 1995 album sees a somewhat slower and heavier HADES, which is fine with me. It also features my old pal Kevin Bolemback on bass for one track. Gotta like that. - 8 - <Ray>

HADES - The Downside · Metal Blade
The musical ability of this band is off the scale. The songs are all heavy easily memorable, and thanks in part to the excellent production, far heavier than I was expecting. HADES' normal Thrash intensity is somewhat lessened here, but this is extremely well done. In fact, for what this is, it's probably nearly flawless. But that doesn't mean that I'm going to listen to this disc very often. - 7.75 - <Ray>

HADES ALMIGHTY - Millennium Nocturne · Hammerheart
Formerly known simply as HADES, this band starts things out with the omnipresent intro before getting to their stripped down, heavier, slower Black Metal. This style does a lot to set them apart, and is a welcome relief from the usual Black Metal speed-for-speed’s sake. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

HAEMORRHAGE - Emetic Cult · Morbid
Umm, my review copy of this CD came without even a track listing, so this is sort of tough going, but musically, these guys are nuts. Very heavy, and I think if could make out the lyrics, they would be pretty sick. The vocals certainly are - they mostly sound like the last gurgles of a dying man, with a spike driven through his head. To me, that's cool. I only wish I had the lyrics and a list of the songs. I assume that the "real" version comes with at least the song titles. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HAEMORRHAGE - Anatomical Inferno · Morbid
This is exactly what you would expect from these masters of Grindgore: Fast, brutal, and sick. Their trademark memorable riffs and multiple vocal styles are supported by a truly impressive production, making this a real masterpiece. Now if only the promo copy had come with a lyric sheet... - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

HAEMORRHAGE / INGROWING - Split 7" · Shindy
I say if something is pressed on "blood splatter vinyl," as this 7" is, then you pretty much have to like it. But that’s just me. Anyway, my friends at Shindy didn’t stop with the cool vinyl, they went right ahead and printed up some very disgusting (at least on the HAEMORRHAGE side) full color sleeves, too. Okay, so the packaging is excellent, but what of the music, right? Well, you get three from extreme Gore masters HAEMORRHAGE, including one exclusive track. And INGROWING also deliver a deadly trio from their brutal Cyberspace album. The only thing holding this back from perfection is the lack of new stuff on here. Personally, I’d pay the $5, or thereabouts, for this just to get the one new HAEMORRHAGE track, and of course to see the ass kicking splatter disk. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

HAEMORRHAGE - Loathsongs · Morbid
Paying tribute to some of their personal favorites, the Grind Gore masters expertly cover DEFECATION, CARCASS, ENTOMBED, REGURGITATE, and ENTOMBED (an unbelievable rendition of "Premature Autopsy"), while also delivering sickness-added versions of IMPETIGO, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, and UFO classics. Their take on IMPALED NAZARENE's "Satanic Masowhore" simply must be heard. And the real blood-icing on this corpse-cake is their own new (de)composition, "Oozing Molten Gristle." Add to that the great liner notes detailing why they chose each song to cover, and you have a CD of epic proportions. - 9.25 - <Ray>

HAEMORRHAGE / IMPALED - Dementia Rex · Razorback
It really pains me to say this, but this is definitely the most stale material I've heard from HAEMORRHAGE since the gurgled mess that was Emetic Cult. It's not terrible, but after two nearly flawless Grindfests (Anatomical Inferno and Grume), this just doesn't rock my world. IMPALED is a second rate EXHUMED. Sorry. - 7 - <Jack>

HAGALAZ’ RUNEDANCE - The Winds That Sang... · Elfenblut
An enchantingly beautiful Germanic Folk album. The songs have an emotion stirring tempo that is only complete with Andrea’s ethereal vocals. If you are in the mood for something extraordinary, stoke up a fire, brew some mulled wine, and enjoy with a close friend on a brisk Autumn night. - 9.5 - <Charon> **MC12**

HALIFAX GIBBOT - Misguided Time · DEMO
Well, their flyer warns that this is "NOT for trendy's." Umm that's the singular possessive, not the plural. The flyer also warns that this recording "Will make your ears BLEED and your mind MELT!" My ears are not bleeding, and my mind is just fine, thanks. Fairly standard, although speedy, Death, if you ask me. Some nice riffs help out, but it left me flat. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HALO - 7" · Sing Fat
Sorta Hard Alternative, with some Punk influences. But not really enough to save it. Not terrible, but not quite there, either. There is much noise (although the sound is pretty clear), but little energy. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

HALOMAKER - Self-Inflicted Creep · Outburn
I think I’ve had just about enough of these new "hard" guitar "Industrial" Butt Rock bands. Maybe this sounds like MARILYN MANSON, I wouldn’t know, but whatever it is, it’s fucking beyond terrible. The worst part is that somewhere, I’m sure some stupid twat thinks HOMOMAKER are heavy. Someone please tell me that this is a fucking joke. - 2 - <Ray> **MC11**

HAMMERBOX - Numb · A&M
If you don't listen too closely, this sounds okay, but on closer inspection it gets kinda bad. Musically they are more or less Hard Alternative. Each song has a lot of good qualities, but never enough for a whole song. They need to refine their ideas and concentrate on the energy which they obviously have. - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

HAMMERFALL - Glory to the Brave · Nuclear Blast
Recipe: Take MANOWAR lyrics. Add a bit of old JUDAS PRIEST. After rocking for a bit, throw in a scintilla of old IRON MAIDEN, and leave it baking for a while. Finally, pick a few random old German Metal bands (in the vein of, say, old HELLOWEEN and old SCORPIONS) and stir without relent. Let the mix cool off, and examine the whole thing the next morning. Chances are significant you will end up with HAMMERFALL’s Glory to the Brave. What we have here is a German five-piece with added compository cooperation of Jesper "IN FLAMES" Strömblad, who have sought to improve upon the classic Heavy Metal bands of old. Their singer sounds a lot like Kai Hansen or Klaus Meine, though with an understandably lower range than the former. Bits of lyrics like "the power of Metal unchained," "we follow the king," "spread your wings and you will fly" and dozens more like this should tell you exactly what you bargain for. There are two true Metal ballads to be found on the disc, too, as well as a tight cover of WARLORD’s "Child of the Damned." Glory to the Brave is a trip down memory lane for those who have been in the Rock and Metal scene for a longer time or, if you’ve entered it rather more recently, a collection of old farts making horribly dated tripe. Whatever is the case, I like it. - 7.5 - <RK> **MC11**

HAMMERFALL - Glory to the Brave EP · Nuclear Blast
Two versions of the title track, one live cut and one new one. If you like this band’s traditional Metal this might be worth it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

HAMMERFALL - Legacy Of Kings · Nuclear Blast
In case you missed their first album, this is Heavy Metal in the older, melodic vein. This still retains the IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST influences but also seems to have a little more MANOWAR in it too. If you like the older school of melodic Metal, like the stuff that came out of the NWOBHM period, then you’ll dig this. This style is much easier to get into as it isn’t nearly as brutal as Death or Black Metal is, which can be a double edged sword at times. Remember where all that Glam shit came from? That poser shit was mistaken for this style of music. Glam played at the same volumes and pretended to be Metal when all they actually were was a bunch of makeup wearing faggots. On the other hand, this (melodic Metal, not that Glam shit) is usually the style of Metal that opens up the rest of the scene to newcomers. Anyway, HAMMERFALL bring back a lot of old memories, the nostalgia for a scene long since disappeared. This stuff is powerful, memorable and some good old-fashioned head-banging music. If you can stand the lack of brutality (and the occasional ballad), this is one to look out for. - 8.75 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

HAMMERFALL - Renegade · Nuclear Blast
I'll admit it: I liked this band's first album. Hell, I worship old HELLOWEEN, and I've always had a soft place in my heart (or maybe brain) for MANOWAR, so why not like a band that so clearly wants to be them both at once? Well, here's a reason: the lyrics on this album are cheesy. That's a word I don't use very often, because I think it's stupid and cheap. But that's why it fits the lyrics here so perfectly. Allow me to show you what I mean with an actual quote from this disc: "You are the wind beneath my wings." I can't make up this kind of shit. If only I had a lyric sheet, so I wouldn't have to listen to this again to get any more funny quotes, but I seem to recall some stuff like "nah nah nah nah" and "oooh ohoh ooh ooh." Musically this is okay, vaguely German-sounding Traditional Metal / Pre-Thrash, albeit on the very wimpy side of okay most of the time. And I could even stand the vocal delivery, although I've certainly heard it done better, but maybe not by many newer bands. But these fucking lyrics are so sappy and stupid that even if I were so inclined, I'd be embarrassed to listen to this with anyone else present. - 6.75 - <Ray>

HAND OVER FIST - Four Song Sampler · DEMO
The repetition of the music doesn't help. The Hardcore vocals are sorta cool, but I just don't find myself liking this too much. If the songs were shorter it would be a lot better. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

HAND OVER FIST - Position Crucial · DEMO
This is just like the last tape: I've heard all these riffs before- on their Four Song Sampler. Some new material, or anything new, would really help, I'm getting sleepy. - 6.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

HAND OVER FIST - Manage to Forget · Excruciating Productions
I like this better than their demos, but they could still work on the lyrics. Repeating the same thing over and over isn't exactly my idea of interesting lyrical content. The production has improved, and the music itself seems to be assembled better. But this still needs a bit more time to gestate. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

HANUS - 1992 EP · Fleshfest
Well, this starts off slow, but ends up being pretty sick. Sort of Death sounding, but not really a whole lot. Actually it's got a feeling sorta like fast Punk, and a lot of energy. Pretty interesting. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

HANZEL UND GRETYL - Ausgeflippt · Energy
For Industrial Dance stuff, this seems fairly energetic, but I really have very little with which to compare it. I dislike the intros, and sometimes the music lapses into dorkiness, but a few of the tracks, like "0 Gemini 31," maintain my interest. I'm not sure how many readers of Metal Curse will be interested in this, but in short doses, I don't mind it that much. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

HARAKIRI - ...on Anti-Natural Morality · DEMO
When these guys slow things down enough to actually have riffs, they’re pretty good. But the thin guitar tone really does them a disservice, as this would greatly benefit from a heavier sound to match the brutal vocals. Well, when they use them at all, and not the little kid screams, as in parts of the 2nd song. I think some of the problem here is the weird mix and recording, but I also think that HARAKIRI just need more time to work on their craft. - 7 - <Ray> **MC12**

HARD-BOILED - Fourteen Minutes of... EP · Abstract Emotions
Here we have a Thrashy guitar sound, Death/Thrash vocal screeches, keyboards and programmed drums. Unfortunately the drums and keyboards are used in a more Techno style than I would have liked, and so this sounds more like a remix EP than what one would expect the originals to be. An interesting idea, perhaps, but not a successful one. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

HARDWARE - Souls Vortex 7" · Innsmouth
Stunning full color cover, that is topped by the sound quality and the songs themselves. Excellent use of keyboards creates an ominous feeling. Crushing riffs, hellish vocals, and beautiful keyboards. It just feels right. I'm really looking forward to hearing more from these guys. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

HARMS WAY - Harms Way · DEMO
First of all, these guys are fast and pretty heavy too. The vocalist, Lee Davis, reminds me of the dude from DARK ANGEL. In fact, musically I'm also reminded of DARK ANGEL. Now, I mean Time Does Not Heal DARK ANGEL. Anyway, this is heavy, Speed Thrash and Lee's vocals are occasionally sung too fast to keep up with, even though a lyric sheet is enclosed. Did I mention the full color cover, or the band photo, or the extensive thanks list? The packaging is as professional as any demo I have seen. I was fully impressed from the first note of this five song monster and I still am. The song "I'll Buy Your Pain" stands out as the only song with slow parts and it really seems to work for them. I have no idea why this band is not signed. You should order this before some label gets off its ass and picks these guys up. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

HARMS WAY - Fear No More · DEMO
Well, this only has one track, but it's pretty cool. Excellent production, and all that stuff. Interesting Thrash track. It makes me want to hear more, so I'm a little disappointed that it's the only thing on the tape. But if they have to concentrate on one song at a time, as long as they come out this good, so be it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

HARUSPEX - Modify · Cellar
These guys desperately need a "bigger" guitar sound. There is some really kick-ass stuff going on guitar-wise here, but it’s buried behind the horrible (sometimes distorted through what sounds like an "Ass Master" guitar pedal) tough-guy vocals. As an instrumental album, I would have really been into this, but as is, it’s nearly unlistenable. They are emphasizing the very things they need to fix. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

HARVEST - Promo ‘97 · DEMO
According to their flyer, this is "2 songs of majestic depth and primitive rage." I’m not sure that they understand the word "depth," but I’d agree with "primitive." This is very simplistic, speed picked Black Metal. Nothing wrong with that, but I think we’ve all heard it done better. HARVEST simply need a little more time to develop their own identity. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

HARVEY WALLBANGER - Sick Jar of Jam · DEMO
Actually, this may not be a demo. I got a tape, but the price I'll list is for the vinyl. Anyway, this was recorded by my friend Dan Swano at Gorysound, so I hope you know that means excellent quality. Musically H.W. are sorta Thrashy, and the vocals are mixed really loud. As you might expect, there is a little bit of weirdness here and there, which makes for an interesting listen. Pretty cool, and certainly original. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

HARVIST - A Gleam in the Night · Dark Horizon
Judging by the number of swastikas that adorn the inlay card, this is yet another NS Black Metal band. I've seen ads for this band's album and when they say "raw production - not for trendy ears", you can tell right away that this is going to be one of those "Grim" Black Metal albums. When you actually advertise how underproduced an album is, I was expecting new lows in recording quality. HARVIST, however, is much better than I expected. Granted, I wasn't expecting much. The recording quality isn't that bad and though there is that rawness there, this actually sounds better than many of the other Grim bands that I've heard lately. This far outstrips Black Hateful Metal by VELES and the new SELBSTMORD album in terms of production quality. Of course, this is not to say that the production is great. One thing that holds this album back is production inconsistencies. There are some volume fluctuations here and there and though they aren't much, they do stand out. Musically, HARVIST resembles DARK THRONE for the most part but Dusk (the sole member of HARVIST) has included many different elements from various styles of Metal. Some of the guitar work is Folk influenced, other parts are very much in line with the Thrash style and still others are more in line with a more NWOBHM/older JUDAS PRIEST style. This diversity and the inclusion of acoustic parts, minimalistic keyboards and changing up the tempos makes A Gleam in the Night a lot more listenable than about 90% of the other bands in this particular genre. - 8 - <Ychoril>

HATE ETERNAL - Conquering the Throne · Earache / Wicked World
Speed for the sake of speed, but with added brutality. Erik Rutan (MORBID ANGEL) seems to be inspired here by KRISIUN, as the playing here is stunning and almost inhuman, especially the drumming. Impressive enough for speed, intensity and precision alone. - 8 - <Ray>

HATEBREED - Satisfaction is the Death of Desire EP · Victory
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Hardcore Heavyweight Champion: HATEBREED! By combining an early SICK OF IT ALL aggressive sound with some SLAYER-type riffing, distinctly Metal drumming, and perfectly angry yelled vocals, these fuckers manage to arguably out-heavy former Hardcore champs DEADGUY. This EP is only 26 minutes long, so my only question about this band is can they keep up this intensity for a full-length (say, 40 minutes or so) release? Rating slightly reduced for rhyming "fire" and "desire," and other lyrical goofs. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

HATEPLOW - Everybody Dies · Pavement
An intense blast of musical hatred awaits the listener of this. Phil of MALEVOLENT CREATION (who apparently has a nearly-unending supply of kick-ass riffs) fame heads up what is more or less a tribute to the drumming skills of the late Crazy Larry Hawke. Rest in peace, bro. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

HATEPLOW - The Only Law is Survival · Pavement
Feel the need for speed? Then you can't go wrong with HATEPLOW. If they don't get the job done for you, only an airplane crash will suffice otherwise. Much in the vein of Eternal / In Cold Blood era MALEVOLENT CREATION meets the first DIVINE EMPIRE. Blinding speed is pretty much the foundation for the entire album, barring the awesome "Incarcerated (Intent to Sell)," which is devastating in its old school mid-tempo. What's amazing is their ability to give riffs memorable finesse while playing 200 mph. I may never know that level of skill, but damn it feels good coming out of those speakers with a nice thick production to boot. Mandatory high-stress listening. - 9.25 - <Jack>

HATESPHERE - Ballet of the Brute · Century Media
These Danish Death-Thrashers remind me a ton of old ARCH ENEMY. Even moreso than Johan Liiva’s new band, HEARSE. They take a less melodic approach to the Gothenberg style, emphasizing more on speed and crunch. DEFLESHED might be a fair comparison, or perhaps a highly improved HAUNTED. My only problem with this, other than the really stupid album title, is the vocalist. His scream is just so basic and plain. What’s worse, he has a terrific Death growl that he sadly will only use sparingly for backing purposes. More Death growls, a touch more melody, and just a dab of originality here and there will ensure the next HATESPHERE album stakes claim to the throne. Let’s just hope they don’t name it Macarena of the Malevolent. - 8.5 - <Jack>

HATEWAVE - Hatewave · DEMO
The name of the game for HATEWAVE is intensity. These freaks are nuclear powered and seem like they’re always right at critical mass. As you might guess, they play fast. Fast Death / Hardcore to be exact. At one time this would have certainly been called Grindcore, but maybe those days are gone. Were their lyrics different, I might have described them as a Crust band, but their lyrics are too evil (which is cool, although, as always, I wish I had a lyric sheet). Anyway, all fans of extremity are encouraged to check out this 8-song masterpiece. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

HATEWAVE - Hatewave · Up Jumps the Devil
This is apparently available on LP only. And it’s limited to 1000 hand numbered copies. So, don’t delay in picking one up. Too bad for you that I’ve already got #666. Seriously. I wonder if all the review copies are #666, or if I just really got that lucky. Or maybe someone out there actually likes me... Nah, that can’t be it. Anyway, if you read their demo review last issue, you know that this is an extremely intense band. I had described them as sort of a fusion of Hardcore Punk and Extreme Metal, which some call Crust, but with more evil, Black Metal inspired, lyrics. Well, with the different production of this LP, some of the Crust feeling is gone, replaced with a more Death / Grind sound. If the band wants to move further away from being associated with Crust, I think a thicker guitar sound would be in order, perhaps they could employ the services of a bassist (they use two guitars and no bass, sort of the opposite of NECROMANTIA), not that it’s necessary, or even a good idea, since I like their sound as is. And of course the evil lyrics are still in place here, and I’ve even got a lyric sheet this time, so I can scream along. This album is a great example of how to properly combine different styles to create one of your own, and HATEWAVE have done just that. Not really being a vinyl junkie, I do wish that this were available on CD, though. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

HATRED - Suffer · DEMO (CD)
Very energetic Thrashy Death Metal, with the occasional high-pitched screams and tormented wails (and some other weird vocal stuff). This may only have 4 songs, but at $5 for a CD, it’s hard to pass up. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

HATRIX - Collisioncoursewithnoplace · Massacre
These guys seem to want to show off, especially the drummer. Musically, it's complex Thrash, and the singer thinks he is a "real" singer, when he is not trying to be a tough guy. Mostly this vocal combination is annoying or just stupid. The slower, more controlled parts are really the best. - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

HAUNTED GARAGE - Possession Park · Metal Blade
These guys are freaks. Musically, they are difficult to describe, but usually they are pretty Thrashy. And always entertaining. OK, I'll admit that I don't totally worship each of the 12 songs on this LP- only nine of 'em, but the other three are still cool. But you are still missing out on something- the lyrics. In the song "Theme," Dukey (the vocalist) screams out "Just call me Satan of the morning, just suck my dick before you leave." In the awesome "976-KILL," he shrieks "I take out a big axe, knock down the front door. I go for their heads, and I make some dip." These dudes even cover "Psychotic Reaction" & "Hokey Pokey," although they do add some new lyrics to 'em. Now, like I said, these guys are freaks, and this album is a wild, insane, horrific, experience. But it's all in fun and I like it, so I think you might too. Favorite songs: "Bitch Like You" and "976-KILL." - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC6**

THE HAUNTED - The Haunted · Earache
Rising from the ashes of AT THE GATES, THE HAUNTED deliver a supposed crossover of Hardcore and Death Metal. For former members of AT THE GATES, and for "Crossover," I much prefer the massive Crust power of SKIT SYSTEM. This isn’t bad, but it in no way lives up to all the hype. - 7 - <Ray> **MC12**

THE HAUNTED - The Haunted Made Me Do It · Earache
Umm, gay fucking title, guys. Otherwise this is pretty good intense Thrash with bits of Death Metal in there, too. But it's certainly not the be-all end-all that some apparently think it is. I do like the new screamer, though, and this is certianly an improvement over their debut. - 8 - <Ray>

THE HAUNTED - One Kill Wonder · Earache
Another HAUNTED album, another 40 minutes of the same fast drum beat and the same god damn song structure this criminally overrated band has used for every song they've ever written. How sad the drummer's snare must be, for it was not its purpose in life to induce my slumber. THE HAUNTED, I implore you! Stop making records. Don't do it for me... do it for the snare. - 1 - <Jack>

THE HAUNTED - Revolver · Century Media
I have no idea what anyone sees in this band. They are a sterilized SLAYER rip-off with one fast beat. Maybe if I were 4 years old, and the only music I’d ever heard was Amy Grant and Michael Jackson, this would seem like the most extreme band on the planet. This album, their debut for Century Media, sees the return of original vocalist, Peter Dolving. Like I give a shit. I will say that this is easily their most diverse album to date. That is to say, there’s actually a couple different drumbeats, and a small handful of riffs that don’t completely sound like rearranged and modernized copies of the riffs on South of Heaven. It seems like in certain parts they go for a dirty Rock n’ Roll vibe, but I could just be hallucinating from boredom. It’s not like these guys are the worst band in the world, just outrageously overrated. - 6 - <Jack>

HAVOHEJ - The Black Mist picture disc 7" · Ax/ction
The picture disc aspect is pretty cool, but the music is really sparse. Minimalistic Black Metal? A simple drum beat to keep time, some keyboards, and the weirdly screechy vocals. I need a little more than that. - 6.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

HAVOHEJ - Unholy Darkness and Impurity · Grinding Peace
Monotonous, simplistic, noisy Black Metal. I wonder what they did with the money they were supposed to use to record this? Bought some crack, perhaps. Who knows? Maybe this would somehow grow on me with repeated listens, but I keep falling asleep, so I guess I'll never know. - 5.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS - Silence in Black and White · Victory
What starts out as a very promising Emocore effort quickly disintegrates into a juvenile rhyming exercise. Perhaps Victory should not abuse their "next THURSDAY/TAKING BACK SUNDAY" claim so carelessly. The hype for BAYSIDE was well-deserved and lived up to, but this band probably should have been the launching pad for the much-anticipated "ATREYU for pre-teens" campaign. Burn the first three songs, then sell the disc. - 7 - <Jack>

HAZY HILL - Murky Bedlam · DEMO
I like these guys. Their brand of Thrash is pretty speedy and the songs are catchy. This is a good demo, but the potential is here for much better. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

HAZY HILL - Fan of Your Fancy · DEMO
Not only does this demo have better sound than Murky..., it has better everything: Music, vocals, and lyrics. This is what was only hinted at by their last demo. Very cool, and worth checking out. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

HEADHUNTER D.C. - And the Sky Turns to Black · WWIII / Mercenary
I'll start with what H.H.D.C. do have going for them, their vocalist has such a frighteningly bestial voice that not only does he sound demon-possessed, he could pass for the Angel of Light himself. The music is awesome as well, yet not quite as in league with Satan. Mostly speedy Black / Death riffage with frequent Doom dirges to stir things up, but it's nothing I'll take to the grave. Perhaps I set my standards too high, but doing a billion reviews over a span of seven years will do that to you. But don't think I don't enjoy it, now. You get to experience many joyous aural occasions, for instance, I just heard the opening roar to "Falling in Perdition," and now I must fetch a new pair of drawers. - 9 - <Jack>

HEADLESS CHRIST - Day of Chrust · DEMO
Rancid Death Metal, with vomited vocals, excellent production, and funny lyrics. I quote: "Crying as she gave me head. Eat her fetus with a slice of bread." Excellent, this couldn't be much better. Write them now! - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

HEADLOCK - It Found Me · Pavement
They have a very energetic and big sound for a three-piece. I had never heard of these guys before and I certainly wasn't expecting a Thrash outfit, but they do a great job. They sorta sound like someone, but I can't seem to say who exactly right now. The sound is just familiar. Anyway, I like it. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

THE HEALTH PROGRAM - s/t · Boyarm
I'm not quite sure how to review this. All this album features is drums. It's phenomenal Thrash/Death Metal drumming with Industrial feedback and a few seconds of distorted screaming. The guy responsible for this percussion expose is John Caldwell, and he is a master, especially at the double bass, but as an overall release I'm not sure how to be objective about it or exactly how much artistic merit this warrants. It's cool to listen to the kind of drumming you'd hear on an Extreme Metal record singled out all by itself, and I guess the idea is maybe for jam bands without a drummer to buy this and put music over it, but it leaves the listening experience feeling a little incomplete. So, if you're looking to check out some awesome drumming minus guitar, bass, and vocals, this is what you need. A novelty listen for me at best. - 7.75 - <Jack>

HEARSE - Armageddon Mon Amour · Candlelight
This is the new project from original ARCH ENEMY vocalist Johan Liiva, and while it blows away newer ARCH ENEMY, it just isn’t on the same level as the old stuff. There’s nothing bad about it, in fact, it’s very well played and Liiva’s lungs still sound remarkably sharp. It’s just that this style of Gothenberg-tinged, melodic Swedish Death/Thrash has been absolutely done to death in recent years, and you tend to expect more from the innovators. Hopefully their best is yet to come. - 8 - <Jack>

HEATHEN - Victims of Deception · Roadracer
It's hard to believe that HEATHEN is finally back. It's been four years since their debut (on Combat) and they have been through numerous line-up changes, including the replacement of David White-Godfrey with ex-EXODUS vocalist Paul Baloff, and David's eventual return. Even though they did not have a permanent bassist when they recorded this (Marc Biedermann from BLIND ILLUSION played all the tracks), this sounds as if all of them had the same mind, very tight. There are nine songs on the cassette (ten on the CD), including a reworked version of "Heathen" and a cover of "Kill the King". The CD bonus track, "Timeless Cell of Prophecy", is really cool. I don't really like it when the CD has extra stuff, even though I do have a player. This is really a well produced effort from one of the earliest Thrash bands. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC5**

HEAVEN SHALL BURN - Antigone · Century Media
Reviewing CDs may not be the toughest gig out there, but try doing a band like this justice. How do I even begin to tell you how fucking awesome this is? How do you try to sum up in words the brilliance this German Metalcore outfit possess musically and lyrically? You can't use comparisons, because these guys don't sound like anybody. On the contrary, other bands try to sound like them! It all starts with an almost scientific mastery of rhythm. If they gave out an award for Best Palm-Muting, HEAVEN SHALL BURN might win it hands down (no pun intended). Then you have the grinding, the melodies, and the breakdowns that just don't sound like anyone else's. They achieve, seemingly with ease, Death Metal brutality delivered with a Thrash-like precision, yet can musically embody a sense of misery and struggle with a sincerity most Emocore bands can only dream of. Lyrically, broken hearts and self-interest take a backseat to the world's pain and suffering, not to mention its eminent demise. Vocally, Marcus is just a pure screamer. Someone who is just born with it. I don't think in eight years the man has used a single vocal effect, and oh yeah, when he wants to he can even sing a little bit, too. I'll just put it this way, this is HEAVEN SHALL BURN's fourth full length album, and they've yet to write bad song one. I pity the poor bastard who misses out on this. - 10 - <Jack>

HEAVENSHORE - Between Human and Divine EP · Repulse
It's not often that I hear a Doom band with such a trebly, Black Metal style, guitar sound. The vocals are in the unholy screechy manner, too, so I guess this is then described as Black Doom. However it might be categorized, this is inspirational stuff. The songs are all well written, played, and very layered with different elements, including acoustic guitar and keyboard. Yet they lose no intensity to the experimentation or to the (well programmed) drum machine. I'm anxiously awaiting more material from this talented band. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

HECATE ENTHRONED - Upon Promeathean Shores · Metal Blade / Death / Blackened
These blasphemers vary their Black Metal attack from Grind to Atmosphere, with vocals matching from tortured screams to tormented whispers. It’s well written, played, and recorded - I can even hear the bass if I really listen. Metal Blade seems to be getting smarter. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

HECATE ENTHRONED - The Slaughter of Innocence... · Metal Blade / Death / Blackened
More intense than Upon..., if you can believe it. It’s more tortured, atmospheric, and faster. It’s probably not as memorable, but its extra helping of Satanic whup-ass makes up for that. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

HECATE ENTHRONED - Dark Requiems... · Blackened/Death
After a fairly haunting synth intro, the symphonic Black Metal gets started. Fast and tight, these goatfuckers also manage to use the keyboards to make their blazing speed a bit more interesting. However, the vocals are insane cackles, which is not normally too bad, but as there is no lyric sheet, I can’t figure out the lyrics, and I like to know about that stuff. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

HECATE ENTHRONED - Kings of Chaos · Blackend
Some lineup changes have altered the approach of this long-running English Black Metal band. You can throw those old CRADLE OF FILTH comparisons out the window, try MASSACRE! Well, I exaggerate, but honestly, from the first riff onward a huge Death Metal influence is apparent. The guitars are chunkier, heavier, and this new vocalist can go both deep and screechy convincingly. This adds a lot to their sound, of course, the symphonic Black Metal this band is known for is still there. Perhaps they decided upon the genre's rapid stagnation and ever-nearing burial that some dynamic flavor was necessary. Favorite track: "Blessing in Disguise." - 9.25 - <Jack>

HEDFIRST - Hedfirst · Crash
This really isn't all that terrible, but how can I be nice to a bunch of guys who would wear SLIPKNOT and PANTERA shirts in their band photos? Obviously I can't. Idiots who think that whatever the gay flavor-of-the-week "aggressive" band being shoved up their asses right now is the heaviest, most underground band in the world will probably like this falseness. - 1.25 - <Ray>

HEFEYSTOS - Psycho Cafe · Wounded Love
Strange, Progressive Dark Metal, with some Goth influences. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

HELHEIM - Fenris EP · Necropolis / Warmageddon
This band's Odinist Black Metal has a slight Industrial feel thanks to a few interesting samples & the expertly programmed drums. Keyboards are also used to further underline to disquieting, ominous feeling created by these talented songwriters. The vocals are just as infernal as everything else, and unique as well; they are yelled of course, but the shrieks are used sparingly, and the dominant style is one of more restraint, but still unsettling. A truly varied and brave release. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

HELLANDHATAMISRA - Hellish Black · DEMO
I’m getting really sick of stupid intros. It’s losing that buildup effect, ladies and gentlemen. This band probably considers themselves Black Metal. This is in that VONDUR, we-don’t-tune-our-instruments vein. It makes me sick. Kids that got made fun of and picked on excessively in high school usually resort to lashing out and trying to be different or shocking. This band sucks, they do not even use real guitar riffs, the drum machine is undoubtedly improvised, and what really sucks is that they’ll say that I’m not "evil" enough to understand the abstract art this truly is. Fuck all pathetic losers. The only people I can see digging this are repressed homosexual teens, or redneck trailer park inhabitants. Neither of which will be able to pronounce the band’s name. Idiocy! - 1 - <Jack> **MC12**

HELLBOUND - Apocalyptic Visions · DEMO
Okay, this isn't bad. Standard, speedy Death, with sub-par production, and screechy vox. Nothing new, but nothing really wrong, either. You need more than this now, though. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

HELLCHILD - Bareskin · Howling Bull
Japanese Death / Thrash. Cool! Despite the thick sound, this probably could be a bit heavier, but the Thrashy parts more than make up for that, and insure that the whole thing is very memorable. In fact, musically speaking, only an oddly bad riff or two keep this from perfection. Vocally, it's not quite as nearly flawless, with the screams ranging from sort of raspy growls to shouts to sort of deeply sung passages. Varying your vocal style can be a great idea, and it almost is here, but a few of the variations fall short. This band has been around for quite some time (since 1987), but has always been plagued with lineup problems. If they can keep a stable lineup, their next album could easily be an all time classic. - 8.75 - <Ray>

HELLION - Up from the Depths · New Renaissance
I’m happy as Hell to see that Ann Boleyn is back. And really even happier to see that so is her legendary record label, New Renaissance. This particular CD is a compilation of rare HELLION tracks that have never before appeared on CD, including their brilliant cover of JUDAS PRIEST’s "Exciter." I’m sure all fans of Traditional Metal must already own this, but if not, get moving! - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

HELLNOMORF - Limbus · TOAJ
Straightforward Death Metal, with some Thrash influences. Well written and played, and a pleasure to listen to. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

HELLOWEEN - High Live · Castle
The majority of the tracks on this are from the band's excellent The Time of the Oath, and that's fine, but I would have really loved to hear some of their earlier material. Sadly, there is nothing representing Walls of Jericho or before. I would have killed to hear "Victim of Fate," or "Phantoms of Death." Anyway, these true Power Metal (not to be confused with what is wrongly called Power Metal by former big-hair bootie-boys) geezers prove that they are still contenders, and I have long since forgiven them for the aberration of Chameleon and Pink Bubbles Go Ape. I wholeheartedly recommend this 2-disc set. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

HELLOWEEN - Better Than Raw · Velvel
As good as this is, it’s just not up to the near-perfection of their last studio album, The Time of the Oath. Although there are certainly a few flawless tracks, such as "Falling Higher." And for once, the U.S. version of an album has an exclusive track! Now Japan knows how the rest of the world feels about that idea. Anyway, fans of true Power Metal (of which there are more and more every day, it seems) who somehow don’t already own this, shouldn’t hesitate, as it is pretty awesome (although I could have done without the track "Hey Lord!"). It’s just that you might want to get all of their other albums (with the exception of Chameleon and Pink Bubbles Go Ape) first, if you don’t already have them. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

HELLRAISER - No Brain, No Pain · Triton
This band's old-style Thrash generally reminds me of very early MEGADETH (Peace Sells...) or TESTAMENT, although there are occasional surprises. It's very well played, but sometimes gets a little low on intensity and feeling. Still, worth a listen to those interested in this style. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

HELLSTORM - Fucking Bleed · Head Not Found / Voices of Wonder
Why waste all the available space in this CD’s booklet with band photos? Do they really think that they are more important than printing the lyrics? Are these wannabe pretty boys that conceited, or don’t their lyrics matter at all? Couldn’t they have at least convinced Koma to not wear a KROKUS shirt? After seeing this packaging, I was expecting this disc to be utterly horrible, and much to my surprise, it’s not at all, but is actually very intense Black Death. By the way, this album is also available on vinyl from Apocalyptic Empire Records of Norway. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

HELLSTORM - Murder 7" · Oskorei
Interesting, old style, dirty sounding, raw Thrash with some Death and Black Metal influences. Maybe not the best thing I’ve ever heard, but pretty damn cool nonetheless. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

HELLWITCH - Syzygial Miscreancy · Wild Rags
HELLWITCH has been around for a long time (since October of '84). Since that time they have gone through innumerable line up changes with Patrick Ranieri remaining a constant forceful backbone. Finally Hellwitch's current line up gelled with Patrick on guitars an vox, Tommy "McMarijuana" Mouser on bass and Joe Schnessel on drums.  The album itself is pretty heavy and contains HELLWITCH classic "Nosferatu".  The vocals throughout the album are sporadically modified; not a bad touch. Certain songs seem to flash back to the sixties, such as "Mordirivial Dissemination". "Pyrophoic Seizure", itself has a psychedelic intro. Most of the rest of this album is fairly swift. Give this one a listen sometime. You might like it. - 7 - <Lar> **MC5**

HELLWITCH - Anthropophagi · DEMO
It had been a while since I'd heard any new material from Pat and his team, which now consists of only Joel Suarez on drums. Yep, Pat does all the rest. But, is this up to the technical level of previous work? Of course. Still heavy, still fast, still insane, and still uniquely HELLWITCH. Excellent production and H.R. Giger cover art push this over the top, into the realms of legendary demos. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HELLWITCH - Final Approach · Progressive Arts Music
When I told Ray I’d never heard HELLWITCH, he looked at me as if I had just farted in his dinner (spray fart). Assuring me that I was in fact a poser for not recognizing the glory and importance of these influential forefathers, who apparently much like MacGuyver, created Death Metal in 1984 using a cotton swab and an old antenna. Well, I can still count the number of times my endeared mentor has been wrong on one hand, but as it turns out, I had not heard these guys for a reason. I hope the Necrowarlord can forgive me, but I wonder if his fondness for this band isn’t more directly tied to the era of their arrival rather than the actual material. (You see kids, Metalheads, or just white guys in general, could actually get laid in the ‘80s). What I’m hearing is some pretty dated Thrash here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not bad, and for its time it’s pretty god damn extreme, but it’s nothing I haven’t heard EXODUS, KREATOR, and DESTRUCTION do 1,000 times better, and by today’s standards it sounds plain tired. Still, diehard fans of HELLWITCH will need this reissue more than their oxygen tanks, as it is loaded with rare demo tracks and rehearsals, and it serves as a proper history lesson for posers like me. - 7 - <Jack>

HELSTAR - Two Song Demo · DEMO
I met HELSTAR at the '93 Milwaukee MetalFest, and they are totally cool, as well as being a great band, but since I'm a fuck-up, I lost their address. The tape has no J-card and there is no address on the cassette. So what you need to do is somehow find their address and write to them (also send it to me so I can, too) and get this. It's excellent Thrash. Awesome production and great songs. I even like the vocals. Damn. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

HELVETO - In Arms of Kurpian Phantom · God Is Myth
Average, boring, symphonic Black Metal. Trust me, there’s nothing here you didn’t already hear EMPEROR do ten years ago about a thousand times cooler. - 6.5 - <Jack>

HEMDALE / EXHUMED - In the Name of Gore split · Visceral
Two of the most brutal Death/Gore bands in the U.S. have teamed to deliver nearly an hour of utter fucking sickness. HEMDALE are fearless in their cover of DESTRUCTION's "Curse the Gods," and maul their way through a dozen monsterpieces of their own. EXHUMED are somehow more intense than HEMDALE, which you'd not think possible until you hear them one right after the other, and in addition to their expected virulent, sickening Death/Grind, they try their hand at covering POSSESSED's "Death Metal." It takes balls to cover a POSSESSED song, and no small degree of skill to do one this well. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

HEMLOCK - Lust for Fire · Full Moon
I always thought HEMLOCK would be cool. I mean, Dan Lilker's no slouch, and aside from NUCLEAR ASSAULT (ya die o' the plague!!), I pretty much dig all of his work. Having said that, this album is the worst piece of shit I've ever heard. Pathetic beyond words, this criminally underproduced lack of effort gives incoherent noise a bad name. Good ol' Danny's take on chaotic Black Metal would've been best left on a Maxell in the practice space for personal reflection after heroin binges. - 1 - <Jack>

HERETIKA - Master of Death · DEMO
Memorable riffs and eerie keyboards. But HERETIKA is not a Doom band, as you might expect from that description. Actually they are a somewhat innovative Death band, which can get pretty intense when they fell like it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

HERESIARH - Mythical Beasts and Mediaeval Warfare · Demolition
When will the gay intro trend finally be over? How much more wind and chanting must I endure? And then the second song has it's own nearly minute-long intro, too... Which gives way, at last, into straightforward raw Black Metal - with a fucking chick singer?!? Okay, there are also "grim" male vocals, but what's the point of being "raw" and having "pretty" vocals? Although, maybe that's not the worst idea... Oh wait, there are the keyboards. They sound like "Folk" flutes or some such insanity. I get it now, these fucks are trying to cram every possible Black Metal cliché into this album. There are a few good bits here and there, and the chicks (there are two of them singing, apparently...) have good voices. So, maybe if they could pick a style and stick with it, until they have things figured out, everything would be okay. I might suggest letting the girls sing all the time, and back that up with total raw speed. After a few listens, those parts seem to be the best on here. - 7 - <Ray>

THE HERETIC - The Apocriphal Scripts · Iberian Moon
Gothic Black Metal, I guess, heavy on the keyboards, and also featuring occasional clean male vocals. Not terrible, but not exactly inspirational, either. - 7.5 - <Ray>

HERMANO - ...Only a Suggestion · Tee Pee
Stoner / Retro Rock is usually sort of difficult for me to review. So after spinning this disc a couple times, I turned to the press release for some background information, and was certainly not surprised to see that former KYUSS guitarist John Garcia is a member, since this seems similar - at least to me. The guys in HERMANO are musically all very talented and I'd have to think that this was one of the better bands of this style. But this is somewhat outside my normal field of expertise. - 7.75 - <Ray>

HERMH - Angeldemon · Pagan
When not obsessed with being "Gothic" & "romantic," they concentrate on the Black Metal, and do a great job. It’s just not all that often that they feel the need to do that, and end up sounding confused. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

HERUKA - Leggenda · demo
With an actual surge in quality Extreme Metal from Italy these days (FORGOTTEN TOMB, FEARBRINGER, FUNERAL RAPE, MIND SNARE) the act of reviewing an Italian Black Metal band’s demo/CDR brings much less skepticism and outright fear than it would’ve 2-3 years ago (even if one of the dudes is wearing a turban). And although the music is a touch predictable, the vocals all over the place, and the drum programming a little cheap, it isn’t terrible by any stretch. The majestic arrangements sound great and the synths and clean guitar add a nice touch. There just might be hope for us wops yet. - 8 - <Jack>
www.heruka.it

HEXX - Watery Graves EP · Wild Rags Records
Side one starts off with the title track, which I feel is the weakest one, though still better than most of the crap that tries to pass as songs. Anyway, it opens up with bubble sounds, which I think may have been done on the bass. If so, then it’s very impressive. The tune goes on to tell the story of the remains of a sunken ship. The story is cool.  The second tune, "Edge of Death," accentuates its crusher speed with grindingly slow verses. Song three is a little more constant with its speed, about "Altar of Sacrifice"’s (SLAYER) pace.  Musically, HEXX is very tight and clean. The drums are interesting at times, and the guitars work well together. The lyrics are cool and fit with the vox almost perfectly. Side two is supposed to have an interview, my copy has side one again. Worse things have happened. Pick this one up, it’s worth it. - 8 - <Lar>
{HEXX later had an album on Century Media (Morbid Reality, released in 1991) that featured a cover of the Spider-man theme. I recall that being the best track on it.} **MC4**

HEXX - Morbid Reality · Century Media
Fast Thrash. Too bad it's weak. Maybe not weak, let's just say average. Nothing sets them apart, except for the very cool instrumental "Spider Jam." Maybe it's cause I don't like the vocals. Actually, I'm almost sure that's it. This band improves with each release, so maybe in about 2 more albums I'll like 'em enough to recommend 'em. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

HI FI AND THE ROADBURNERS - Wine, Women and Sin · Victory
Evil Rock and Roll, with a horn section. Maybe not too far from the Hellbilly of the SUPERSUCKERS, or maybe like a tougher version of THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS. I don't mind it in small doses, but I don't know how much I could take all at once. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

JOHN HIATT - Perfectly Good Guitar · A&M
Rolling Stone described this album as "...three chords and a cloud of fuzz all the way." I guess they heard a different version. Presumably, they meant guitar distortion by "fuzz," but you wouldn't know it by listening to this. It's got about as much distortion as MUDDY WATERS. As for three chords, I guess they count differently than I do, since I thought this was pretty musical. All this is not to say that I liked it - it's really mainstream Rock- almost Country or Blues in places (the bass is mixed really loudly though, I like that) - I just thought I'd point out that Rolling Stone was wrong. - 7 - <Ray> **MC8**

HIBRIA - Defying the Rules · Magick/Century Media
Power Metal. - 1 - <Jack>

THE HIDDEN HAND - Divine Propaganda · Meteor City
Okay, so Wino (St. Vitus, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan) is in this new band... If you know who I'm talking about, then you already know what this sounds like, since it's more or less just a somewhat faster version of the same Stoner Rock he's always been involved with. I liked St. Vitus to some degree, but that's about it. And I sat through this album several times waiting for the song or riff or anything that would kick my ass for even a few seconds, but it just never happened. - 6 - <Ray>

HILLJACK - Hilljack · DEMO (CD)
On their flyer it says, "This is 100% pure Rock-N-Roll." I don’t know about that, but it’s 100% crap. I’ve heard Top 40 cover bands that were more tolerable than this. In fact, these dorks might be a JACKYL tribute band, except that, believe it or not, even JACKYL does not suck this much. - 1 -   <Ray> **MC11**

HIMINBJORG - Where Ravens Fly · Red Stream
These guys hail from France and apparently play Viking Metal in the veins of ENSLAVED and early EINHERJER. The first thing I thought of when I heard that they were from France was, "Vikings? In France?" But lo and behold, here they are. This is quite good, the production is thick, and the only problem I can see is that the vocals are a bit low, especially when they utilize the standard Black Metal raspy style. When HIMINBJORG employ the clean, operatic style, the vocals are very clear and loud. Musically, they tend to go from the mid-paced, atmospheric style to the faster, IMMORTAL-ish speed. The good part about all that is the fact that when they employ the all out speed attack, they never really lose control over it. - 9 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

HIMINBJORG - In the Raven's Shadow · Red Stream
Three minutes of pretty acoustic guitars and keyboards later, the album really starts. The music is strangely "happy," but I suppose that matches the vocals, which sound something like a guy in a coffeehouse reading his sappy poetry that he thinks is the best shit ever written. Well, and then there are the raspy vocals, which are a little better, although still not very good, and generally they seem to be at odds with the music. Okay, these guys do speed things up, but the faster parts really emphasize the weird production and mix. And I really should mention the laughable keyboard effects. In at least one song, they sound as if they were taken straight out of a vintage 1983 video game. There are a few good moments here and there, and it does kind of get better as it goes along, but the bad easily outweighs the good. - 6.75 - <Ray>

HIMINBJORG - Third EP · Red Stream
Weird. This is much slower and moodier than was its predecessor. Melancholy at times, even, and a drastic improvement over their last album. For once a band tried some new ideas, had some work and some fail, and actually sorted out which stuff to keep and what to shitcan. So, while still not a perfect release, Third has absolutely forced me to like it, and to respect HIMINBJORG's efforts. - 8.25 - <Ray>

HINGE - Accidental Meeting of Minds · Pavement
I can't say that this hybrid Alternative/Thrash outfit did a damn thing for me. Neither very bad nor good. Who cares? - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HOLLENTHON - Domus Mundi · Napalm
The new band of Martin Schirenc, formerly of PUNGENT STENCH! This should be good, right? Well, all the weirdness that old Marty wouldn't try with P.S. (and remember how strange they got towards the end) has apparently found a home here. Like I always say, I appreciate experimentation, but everything isn't worth keeping. This feels like a bunch of divergent ideas all mixed up at once, just for the sake of being "different" or "original," and ends up being too all over the place. But I suppose it does have a few moments of interest. - 6.75 - <Ray>

HOLLENTHON - With Vilest of Worms to Dwell · Napalm
If you could remove all the horns (which I think may be synths), the stupid "Folk Metal" insanity, and even the most weak of the many different vocal styles, this might be tolerable. It really does have some interesting ideas and many good moments. But when 85% of a song is stupid, but the drumming is cool in places, or there is one good riff that only ever gets played four times, or an eerie keyboard part, it's just not enough to save things. I'm sure that the idea here is to be "different" and "weird," but cutting off your nutbag would be "different" and "weird," too, and I wouldn't recommend that, either. - 6 - <Ray>

HOLLOW - Grave Prophecies · DEMO
The intro tricked me into thinking that HOLLOW is a Doom band, as it's all keyboards and eerieness. Then the actual music started and I was left with some honestly brutal Death. In the middle of the track, they throw in some more keyboards, and it sounded great. The beginning of track 2, "Yours, From Hell," is excellent, but as with the first track, they devolve into a traditional Death act after that. I think a more integrated use of keyboards could be accomplished, without losing any brutality, and would give them a more unique sound. But, they are already more advanced than many other bands. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HOLLOW - Modern Cathedral · Nuclear Blast
Excellently produced technical Classic Metal. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

HOLOCAUST - Hellfire Holocaust EP · Sound Riot
Unfortunately, my promo CD arrived cracked, and won't play, but I have heard this album and liked it's Thrashy Death onslaught. However, without repeated listens, I'm loathe to try to claim that this is a "complete" review, or a very accurate rating. - 8.25 - <Ray>

HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL - Gonorreia Visceral · So Die
This sounds like it was recorded in a bathroom at a truck stop in West Virginia using a Sanyo handheld recorder, and is a poor excuse for Gore-Grind. They have the image down, but forgot to make some worthwhile music. - 5.25 - <Nick>

HONEY FOR CHRIST - Forging Iron Will · demo
Decent melodic Thrash with totally fagged out vocals. I can’t tell if this guy’s going for the gay ‘80s Hair thing or the gay modern Radio Rock thing, but either way it’s definitely gay. Sad, because the music is certainly not gay. Still, I can only recommend this to those that like things that are gay or are gay. - 3.75 - <Jack>
www.honeyforchrist.co.uk

HOODS - Time…the Destroyer · Victory
I gotta give Victory some props. Lately the bulldog has been a seal of assurance that the money spent will not be wasted. Just as the ink was not wasted on the latest signing, Sacramento's pride HOODS which features Mike Hood and other members of the mighty ABOVE THIS WORLD. Much like ATW, this is just tight, brutal Hardcore the way it was meant to be played. Straightforward, Thrashy, with moderate groove, sick throaty vocals, and great lyrics to boot. They even get psychotic COALESCE-style on the standout track "Unforgiven." This is an all-round monument of 'Core, blending the Old School vibes with the Metal-tinged feel of the modern era. You need it. - 9.5 - <Jack>

HOODS - Pray for Death · Victory
The HOODS is a band that pulls no punches. Featuring members of other Sacramento legends ABOVE THIS WORLD and POWERHOUSE, and as you might have guessed, this is rugged, heavy, ferocious Hardcore that combines Old School and modern Metalcore flavors. Spite-filled, bitter lyrics chewed up and spit out by Ben Garcia's Miretesque bark are the perfect compliment to this streetwise effort. From the DC kids to the Death Metal fanatics, extreme music fans of any genre will probably be feeling this. - 9.5 - <Jack>

HORDE OF WORMS - Wormageddon EP · Bloodbucket
Anyone without his head completely up his asshole knows that I don't have a problem with a band using a drum machine, and 90 - 95% of the time, I don't have a problem with HORDE OF WORMS' usage, either. But that other 5 - 10%, it's just out of control, blasting at inhuman speeds that even MAYHEM, IMMORTAL and MACABRE can't match. It's not that the speed is bad, but it simply sounds really fake, and that's never good. The remainder of the time, other than the stupid time wasting "Industrial" hidden track, is okay Death / Grind with well done dueling raspsy / screaming vocals. It's intense, but that's hardly a unique quality, and the stupid "hidden" track brings the whole thing down. - 8 - <Ray>

HORDES OF THE LUNAR ECLIPSE - Dancing Demons in the Grey-Lit Glade · Dark Horizon
Trite, unmemorable, painfully boring Black Metal. I’d rather listen to DARKTHRONE tune. - 1 - <Jack>

HORGKOMOSTROPUS - Lugubre Resureccion · American Line
Monstrously brutal and raw, take-no-prisoners Death. The band starts the killing immediately and does not let up until the final track has mutilated its way through your head. The unpolished production serves to heighten the power of the riffs and drums. That and the honestly bestial vocals give this a unique sound. I hope American Line Productions gets another album out of these guys soon! - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

HORNA - Hiidentorni · Solistium
I wanted to carve my ears out with a spoon after the 4th song. Just because you can play a couple of notes real fast, doesn’t mean you should make 8 songs that all sound like the same one over and over and... If you like the endless monotony of brutally fast abysmal music and "Hey! Who’s raping my cat?" vocals, check this out. - 3 - <Charon> **MC12**

HORRIFIED - Animal · Black Lotus
I always wondered what happened to HORRIFIED after their In the Garden of Unearthly Delights album came out back in ‘94. Apparently they broke up for awhile, but reformed in ‘98 and got right to work on this new LP. It’s a really European, non-brutal, Death sound, to be sure, and there are a few sort of goofy bits that detract, but it’s still not bad. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

HORROR OF HORRORS - Sounds of Errie · Thrash Corner
Here's one for the vaults. If only I could hear the bass guitar, it would probably be flawless. The recording and production are excellent. I have added Smoot Sound to my little list of cool studios. Hey, these guys even have riffs - and they go totally nutty and make those riffs memorable, too! What crazy guys! Drums you ask? Think DEICIDE. Which is to say, very clear, precise, and deadly. Mostly mid-paced to fast, with a really fast part here and there. Okay, will the vocals will ruin it for me, as they have on so many other albums? Fuck no! I like 'em. They're raw, but not impossible to understand. Excellent job. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HORROR OF HORRORS - Blood of the Suspicious · Toxic
I believe that this is a re-release of their impossible to find Fangs, Breaking the Skin CD. And, I’m thankful for that, because this is a massive slab of precision Death Metal, and it’s a pleasure to finally hear it. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

HOSTILITY - Nice Guys Finish Last · DEMO
Pretty straightforward Deathrash, with some surprises, such as the "megaphone" sounding vocals (which I detest) at the beginning of "The Real Problem," and the cover of the ROLLING STONES' "2000 Man" (which I also hate). - 7 - <Ray> **MC9**

HOSTILITY - Brick · Century Media
"Hi, we're HOSTILITY. We're heavy, and groovy. And really tough. We could kick your ass, Wimpy." Must every label succumb to this? At least the vocals aren't run though a guitar distortion effect, as are so many of their contemporaries. By the way, a song called "Don't Fuck With Me" just begs me to make fun of it and the band. Dorks. - 6.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

HOSTILITY - Soon, Come the Return · DEMO
With the popularity of PARADISE LOST, all these Doom bands are popping up out of nowhere, and HOSTILITY is one of the best. The vocals sound like Mille [KREATOR], but raspier. HOSTILITY is a Christian Doom band- one of the few. This demo has six songs and a cool, but confusing cover. This is one of the best and most original Doom bands out there. - 8 - <Tom> **MC7**

HOT STOVE - Murder · DEMO
I hate to say anything negative about a band cool enough to put MOTÖRHEAD on their "thanks list," but I really must. While the music is indeed heavy, a lot of the riffs are pretty generic Death fare, and the lyrics are normally up to the goofy standard set forth by the song title "Burping Blood." Also, the vocals are often not very intense - or at least not up to the intensity of the music. However, all that said, I must admit that the playing is great, and very occasionally the vocals rise above their mediocrity and truly kick ass (usually this is when they are double tracked with a high screech on top of a low growl). Not in any way a bad demo, but I think they need a little more time to refine their sound. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

GREG HOWE - Ascend · Shrapnel
I normally don’t like "guitar heroes," but Greg Howe is on the short list of those who I consider to not have their heads lodged firmly up their own asses. Here he has actually written songs, not just solos. However, upon reading the liner notes, Greg seems to be apologizing for the very qualities of this album that make it good: Its heaviness, its Thrash-minded intensity, and its very "Metal" nature in general. I guess I haven’t heard anything he’s done in over a decade, since his debut, so maybe he has had his head up his ass in the meantime, I wouldn’t know, but this disc is pretty fucking great. And on another note, I can’t believe that 11 years have gone by this quickly... - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

HOWL - Embrace of the Night · DEMO
Let me just say that the vocalist for this band sounds as if he got a paper bag wedged in his throat and still insists on trying to sing pure Death style vocals. The reason I mention this is because these guys sent us a copy of their lyrics, and as I read the lyrics with the songs, there’s just no way they could possibly match. I can’t understand anything this guy is saying. But, HOWL does provide us with some cool Gothic keyboarding, and guitar brutality, accompanied by ambient female vocalization. - 6.75 - <ANG> **MC11**

HROSSHARSGRANI - ...of Battles, Ravens and Fire · CCP
Time itself has ceased to have meaning as I wait for the intro to end and the actual music to start. All "atmosphere" and no Metal. That might be okay, if the atmosphere were interesting in some way, but this is just annoying, like a soundtrack to some shitty fantasy movie with delusions of grandeur. At least it's about Vikings. It must be about ten minutes before the "Viking Metal" starts up, and guess what? It's slowed down simplistic raw Black Metal, with terrible droning vocals. The soundtrack part was better! And after about a minute, here it is again... - 2 - <Ray>

HROSSHARSGRANI - The Secret File · CCP
This time, rather than making fun of the über-lame intro, I think I'll mention the band's name. Seriously, what the fuck?!? How is "HROSSHARSGRANI" even pronounced? I'm about 36 hours into the endless intro narration, and the music has just started, and it is even more fucking weak and lame than I remember ...of Battles... being. I am pissed off (but not surprised) that this band could get a recording contract. Fuck the world. - 1 - <Ray>

HROSSHARSGRANI - The Secret Fire · CCP
Have you ever been playing Diablo II or another fantasy role playing game on your computer or Playstation 2 and thought that the soundtrack was kind of gay? The Secret Fire is almost perfect replacement music. Like MORTIIS during his epic musical score days (unlike his latest album, which is mostly Darkwave in the vein of DEPECHE MODE), this sounds like a soundtrack to a movie or a medieval fantasy video game. It's epic, atmospheric and you can just feel the story surrounding you. The whole album reminded me a lot of the Austrian band PAZUZU in style but this album actually has a story that goes with it. The Secret Fire is based entirely on the works of J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga and the prequel, The Silmarillion. The only thing that keeps this from perfection is a minor gripe about the voice-overs. The female vocal parts are fine but the male vocalist sounds a lot like Dolf Lungren with nasal congestion. Later in the album, an attempt at Bilbo Baggins' voice is made and it just sounds annoying. It's high-pitched and whiney and it really gets on your nerves. This is a definitely an improvement over their debut MCD (also on CCP) and everything that should have been improved has been improved and the stuff that should have been taken out has been removed. The overall effect is very epic and powerful music. Fans of the previously mentioned PAZUZU, MORTIIS or the Tolkien-influenced music of SUMMONING will find this to be a very worthy addition to their collection. - 9 - <Ychoril>

GLENN HUGHES - Return of Crystal Karma · SPV / Steamhammer
Absolutely terrible "Hard" Rock with keyboards that I'm sure Mr. Hughes must think makes this "Progressive." - 2 - <Ray>

HUMAN - Transmission · Communuquè
This combination of Industrial & Metal is certainly one of the more unique I’ve heard. They rely heavily on synths, but also as heavily on guitar riffs, aggression and intensity. Most bands of this type either are mostly Metal, but have a little electronic stuff going on, or (more likely) nearly all electronic and maybe have a guitarist who plays one riff a thousand times per song. But HUMAN achieve a much better union of the two styles than is normal. Something like CELTIC FROST (esp. the vocals) crossbred with MINISTRY, if you can imagine the horror. Also, the lyrics are worth noting: Porn, W.S. Burroughs ("Interzone"), and other cool stuff. Very impressive all the way around. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

HUMAN MINCER - Embryonized · Xtreem Music
Here we have the debut release from Spain’s Xtreem Music label, formerly known as Repulse Records (highly respected throughout the years by Death-heads the world over). The first signing is HUMAN MINCER, also from Spain, whose gore-drenched brutal Death Metal show Xtreem picking up right where Repulse left off. Now, while we’re assured that "the sales version is of the highest quality," the promo they sent us only features three complete tracks while the rest are edited short. Call me crazy, but isn’t that the equivalent to an album review that... - 7.75 - <Jack>

HUMAN REMAINS - Human Remains · DEMO
Poor production plagues this demo. The vocals are mixed somewhat low and the whole thing sounds somewhat "muddy." It's a bit difficult to tell exactly how heavy the music is, due to the production, but I think it verges on Death. The vox, what I can make out, are not too bad. Thrashcore, I guess. Anyway, with better production, HUMAN REMAINS might be a band to watch for. As is, it's too difficult to tell what is intended and what is not their fault. I would like to see them have the chance to record in a quality studio.  - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC5**

HUMAN REMAINS - Demo '91 · DEMO
I think that this demo has a real title, but on my copy it's been marked over with a blue marker, so I can't read it. Now then, on with the review. As I thought, better production has helped this talented band show its true potential. Here we have three songs, "Cursed," "I Exist" and "Walls of Anger," of powerful Deathrash, with interesting lyrics. This is an inspired piece of work and they should be rewarded for it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

HUMANICIDE - Terminal · DEMO
HUMANICIDE is a Thrash-core band and I like them a lot. This tape has three songs, two of which, "Tell Me What Evil Means" and "Terminal Psychosis," will be featured on their forthcoming LP. That’s right: LP, they have signed to Wild Rags. This is a very strong effort and Joe’s vocals add a lot. It also has a two color cover and lyrics. So even if you have to sell your comic books to afford it: buy it! - 8.5 - <Ray>
{The above mentioned LP on Wild Rags turned out to be an EP, and I think there may have been another release or two after that...} **MC4**

HUMANICIDE - Human Right · DEMO
Sort of Hardcore style vocals combined with very aggressive Thrash, has made this band a remarkable EP. All 4 songs are memorable and heavy. The lyrics deal with how fucked up reality is. This is an extremely quality release. I can see almost everyone liking this demo: Death, Thrash, Hardcore. It combines all 3, in such a way that fans of these styles will like their original sound. Favorite song: "March of the Living Dead," which is about the hell of working a 9 to 5 job and the "American way." This is a must. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

HUMBLE GODS - Humble Gods · Futurist
The formula: Stupid, sing-along, lyrics repeated 1000 times, to ensure "catchiness," with a fifty person chorus of back up squealers. Four riffs stolen from various old-school Punk bands, and utterly drained of any life, and in some cases, even any unlife. "Snotty," "pissed off" vocals, which are in fact the lamest crap this side of OASIS, or some other Euro-Dance-No-Wave-Shit-Eaters. "Metal" sounding guitar distortion. Yes, they follow this to the pre-planned letter, to cash in on the Punk "craze," and are all the more horrible for that. - 3 - <Ray> **MC9**

THE HURT PROCESS - Drive by Monologue · Victory
This kind of melodic Emo is really too lightweight for me, but THP certainly does a flawless job of it. And, even better, the guys occasionally inject a big dose of intensity in the form of screechy, tortured vocals, which they do to perfection in the track "White Butterflies." - 8.25 - <Ray>

HYBERNOID - Todays Tomorrows Yesterday · Displeased
Experimental Metal can sometimes lose it's heaviness, or become too bogged down in being intricate to be memorable. Neither is true with HYBERNOID. And although they use many different vocal styles, they have not abandoned the Death approach. This is very interesting to listen to, and as an added plus, very easy to remember after the fact. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

HYPERION - Through Centuries · Deathgasm
This 6-song EP’s cymbals are plagued by digital hiss. Like a rip gone wrong, this proves to be an overwhelmingly distracting production flaw. It’s a damn shame because HYPERION play an extremely infectious brand of melodic, symphonic Death in league with DEPRESY and old SEPTIC FLESH. It is a truly amazing feat to be able to produce gloom with speed. Epic and brutal, if you can get past the irritatingly rough mix. - 8.5 - <Jack>

HYPNOS - In Blood We Trust · Morbid
This all-star band (members of KRABATHOR and Mika from IMPALED NAZARENE) plays an interesting, almost Thrashy kind of evil Death. Albeit not an incredibly memorable one. - 7.75 - <Ray>

HYPNOSIA - Crushed Existence · DEMO
This Death Metal is executed with extreme intensity. HYPNOSIA are no innovators, but with songs like this, they don’t have to be. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

HYPNOSIA - Violent Intensity EP · Iron Fist
At their best, these dudes sort of remind me of SADUS. That style of Thrash, anyway. HYPNOSIA do have their less-than-great moments, but not many, and for the most part, they’re very convincing, and I’m certainly looking forward to hearing more from them soon. A track listing somewhere on the outside of the packaging might be a nice thought for next time, too. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

HYPOCRISY - Penetralia · Relapse/ Nuclear Blast
This is some fucking evil Death Metal. HYPOCRISY's debut is above average, but the weird thing about the album is that the drummer only played on three tracks; the guitarist plays on the rest. All songs are totally Satanic, the best being "Take the Throne." This will be a band to look for in the future. If you have time, pick it up for the ultra-brutal riffing and godslaying lyrics. - 8 - <Tom> **MC7**

HYPOCRISY - Osculum Obscenum · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
These guys have the balls to cover VENOM's "Black Metal" and not even credit them. I assume that was an oversight on HYPOCRISY's part. Or maybe they figured that if you don't know who wrote "Black Metal," you don't deserve to. Anyway, the rest of this album is really good Black Death. Not much of a progression from their first album, but that's fine. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

HYPOCRISY - Abducted · Nuclear Blast
Bands like this are hard to find. This band has put out 4 full length albums, and never once have they even attempted to suck cock. They were masters of the fast, brutal Death style, masters of the harsh Black/Death style, and now they have completely mastered slow and emotional Doom. This new CD merely combines all three into the best HYPOCRISY effort yet. An outstanding record with the best production I've ever heard, courtesy of The Abyss (lead vocalist/guitarist Peter Tagtgren's recording studio). Unbelievable! Blow a fat choad all over this one Death freaks! -10 - <Jack> **MC10**

HYPOCRISY - The Final Chapter · Nuclear Blast
HYPOCRISY have had a different sound on all of their releases, from Death to Doom to Black Metal and more. This sort of combines them all, but not all at once (although there is almost always some Black Metal involved). Each song has a unique identity. "Inseminated Adoption" is fast Black Metal, while the very next song, "A Coming Race" might be described as Gothic Black Doom. It’s very impressive and diverse, but I would expect no less from Peter and his band of demons ("aliens"?). I only hope that this is not really the final chapter for the band. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

HYPOCRISY - Destroys Wacken · Nuclear Blast
I guess mobile recording technology must be improving. I would say that "for a live album" this sounds great, but that’s a vast understatement. This sounds like they took the studio versions and added in-between track crowd noise, but I know it’s live. I’m already impressed, only 3 seconds in to the first cut. As with all live LPs, there are a few songs I wish had been on this, but that’s to be expected. And how are HYPOCRISY sounding, you ask? Well, pretty god damn good. Their newer style is a little hard to pigeonhole, and they stick mostly to that, which for once is okay with me. However, they also treat us to an inspirational rendition of "Pleasure of Molestation," which is probably worth the cost by itself. And just to make sure that this is utterly essential, there are 4 new studio tracks on here, too. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

HYPOCRISY - Hypocrisy · Nuclear Blast
I’m glad to see that these guys decided to keep on releasing albums. This musically covers a lot of Metal’s unhallowed ground, which is what HYPOCRISY fans have come to expect. Naturally, everything is nuclear powered, and you’ll be screeching along in no time. An amazing album that sort of ties together all the different styles HYPOCRISY have employed over the years, and then takes them all a little further. And my review copy is so "advance" that the songs haven’t even been mastered yet! I’m not sure how it could possibly sound any better, though. The shouted vocals in "Time Warp" are nearly all that keep this from perfection. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

HYPOCRISY - Into the Abyss · Nuclear Blast
Wasting no time after releasing their self-titled effort, HYPOCRISY is back with ten new extraterrestrial tales on Into the Abyss. What makes this such an impressive release is that it incorporates elements of HYPOCRISY's entire back catalog to create a collection of songs that should appeal to any HYPOCRISY fan no matter which release is your favorite. Into the Abyss is charged with ferocity and intensity, and backed by the rhythm section of Hedlund and Szöke, the music is as dynamic and solid as ever. As always, Tägtgren's vocals shift effortlessly from Deathly growls to ghastly screams while his razor-sharp guitar riffs make songs like "Legions Descend" and "Blinded" instant HYPOCRISY classics. Closing track "Deathrow" shares a strong bloodline with "Request Denied," yet another classic from the release The Final Chapter. The production is flawless which, given Tägtgren's talent as a producer, should come as no surprise. The packaging and layout are top-notch as well making this lush fold-out digipak as pleasing to the eyes as the music is to the ears. Into the Abyss is a necessity for HYPOCRISY fans and the perfect introduction for those previously unfamiliar with this band's music. This release is irrefutable proof that HYPOCRISY has no intentions of slowing down or fading into obscurity any time soon. - 9.25 - <Painkiller>

HYPOCRISY - 10 Years of Chaos and Confusion · Nuclear Blast
What a pointless waste of plastic this is. By no means am I insulting the almighty HYPOCRISY (who have stood the test of time, if you haven't noticed), but for Nuclear Blast to try to compile a greatest hits collection for a band who has never written any filler! What clueless poseur doesn't already have the entire domestic discography of HYPOCRISY's releases? And should the tragically uninformed need a sampling of this band's power, why not just start from the beginning and work your way up? Witness the natural evolution of pulverizing Satanic Death Metal to a brand of extremity without category. After all, a true HYPOCRISY "greatest hits" would simply be all the band's albums in a box set. Then you would have more than 7% of this band's choice cuts to commit suicide to. However, the bastards at Nuclear Blast have me backed in a corner. While I despise the idiocy of the concept, all the songs on the CD subject to review are flawless. I have no choice other than to give it a perfect rating. The first ten I didn't like. - 10 - <Jack>

HYPOCRISY - Catch 22 · Nuclear Blast
This is a sad day in the Metal world. After a decade of Swedish Death Metal rule, the almighty HYPOCRISY has finally fallen off. The cause of Peter's insanity? Overexposure to people! "A Public Puppet" consists of a lame SLIPKNOT riff, some Crusty filler, and some mid-paced filler. Then there are songs like "Edge of Madness" which still contain a few good melodies but are desecrated by weak vocal experimentation. This whole album caters to the short attention span of poseurs which solidifies my overexposure to people theory. For a band just starting out, not totally sure how they want to sound, this would be a mediocre effort. But by HYPOCRISY standards, this album just completely sucks shit from the dicks of homosexual rapist lepers. - 5 - <Jack>

HYPOCRISY - Catch 22 · Nuclear Blast
Rumors had it that this was going to be the Nu-Metal sellout album by HYPOCRISY. Well, I don't know if it is a complete sellout or not but this has a lot more in common with SLIPKNOT that it does to the band that released such godly albums as Penetralia and Abducted. I must have listened to this album a dozen times before I've come to the conclusion that if HYPOCRISY ever released a dud album, this is it. The first couple songs are just crap. They have great production but when it comes to great songwriting, this is below par. The second half of the album is a bit more listenable, as far as I'm concerned. The tracks here have more in common with the more atmospheric stuff that these guys did back on Abducted mixed with PAIN's Techno / Industrial Metal fusion style. These tracks are definitely better, but the bulk of this album is just not what I like listening to. I avoid SLIPKNOT for a reason. I hate them. Granted, they're almost like listening to half-assed Death Metal but I don't want to listen to half-assed Death Metal. The real deal is always better! This is almost as sad as seeing SLAYER ape PANTERA. There are some cool songs on this album but the shit always seems to stand out more. - 5 - <Ychoril>

HYPOCRISY - Virus · Nuclear Blast
After 2002’s horrible Catch 22, I thought that this band was a lost cause. But then The Arrival came and it looked like Catch 22 might turn out to be more of a fuck-up than a new direction. In another good move around that time, main-man Peter Tägtgren lent his considerable vocal intensity to the almighty BLOODBATH. So, it was with renewed hope that I first spun Virus. There are bursts of severity here that make me think that Peter must have liked his time with BLOODBATH. Of course these moments are mixed with liberal amounts of the atmosphere for which HYPOCRISY has become infamous. The more straight-forward Death Metal elements are extremely well done (and appreciated!), but the less extreme stuff might be even cooler, with my favorite tracks being "A Thousand Lies" and the awesome "Living to Die." It’s my understanding that the retail version of this (perhaps just the initial pressing?) comes with a bonus live DVD video, so I’d suggest not waiting. - 9.5 - <Ray>

HYPOCRISY - Virus · Nuclear Blast
Not even a year has passed since The Arrival, the band’s triumphant return to form, and already Peter Tagtgren and company have churned out another full-length album. As if being a full time producer, briefly fronting BLOODBATH, and having near death strokes hasn’t kept him busy enough. Sadly this album marks the end of the Lars Szoke era, as we say goodbye to one of the original members of this legendary Swedish Death troop. His versatile drumming style has graced HYPOCRISY albums for 13 years, and while he’ll undoubtedly be missed, former IMMORTAL skinsman Horgh is a formidable replacement to say the least. I’m not going to lie, to some degree this is somewhat of a disappointment, although by no means a dismal failure. The best way to get at it is to break the album down. Songs like "Warpath," "Scrutinized," "Craving for Another Killing," and "Blooddrenched," are among the fastest and most brutal this band has ever penned, and certainly the addition of Horgh was a factor there. They’re heavy as fuck and sound great, but as far as HYPOCRISY songs go, they’re a little boring. "Fearless," "Let the Knife Do the Talking," "A Thousand Lies," and "Incised Before I’ve Ceased," are more of what I’ve come to expect from this band in the last 9 years. Slower, moodier, melodic, dynamic, and catchier than Birdflu. The album closes out with "Compulsive Psychosis," the most memorable of the brutal selections, and "Living to Die," which exposes the softer side of Peter Tagtgren, not unlike "Slippin’ Away" from the Abducted LP. As I said, this is not a bad album by any stretch. Aside from Catch 22, I’ll take any HYPOCRISY any day. I’ll just never be convinced that these songs didn’t need more time to ferment in the brilliant mind of Peter Tagtgren. - 9 - <Jack>

HYPOKRAS - Dead & Hungry · Warpath
Here is a French Death Metal band in love with the Old School. Their simplistic, controlled attack brings to mind the past works of legends BOLT THROWER, BENEDICTION, and MASSACRE. The band can also blast their fucking hearts out, and when they choose to, are reminiscent of mid-career NAPALM DEATH. The title track is the shit! A crushing slow jam with riffs that echo the ancient crawl of OBITUARY. With all the comparisons, you probably figured out that HYPOKRAS certainly are not creating any new paths, but god damn do they know which footsteps to follow in. A very impressive offering. All hail Freedom Death! - 9 - <Jack>

HYPONIC - Black Sun · self-released
Decent Old School Death Metal from China. For some reason this takes me back to the Grind Core/Red Light era, as this self-financed EP harnesses the ancient feel of CIANIDE, VITAL REMAINS, MORGUE, and THERION’s earliest offerings. Granted, this production is a little timid and certain parts tend to drag, but the good riffs, occasional melodies, and solid Death growls stand strong as respect to the elders is paid. - 8.25 - <Jack>