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Review: Hell - Human Remains
Hell
www.hell-metal-band.com
Human Remains

Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Year released: 2011
Duration: 66:00
Tracks: 11
Genre: Heavy Metal

Rating:
5/5


Review online: September 3, 2011
Reviewed by: Christopher Foley
Readers' Rating
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Rated 4.09/5 (81.88%) (64 Votes)
Review

There has been a lot of talk about this album, and I'm sure we all know by now that it was a long time coming. I won't delve into an overindulgent history lesson, as that information is readily available across the web. So, with new found vigor and passion Hell at long last managed to get a full-length out, and by the gods does it scorch.

Human Remains is a stunning releasing, with a solid foot in the past and the other in the present. The band straddles a NWOBHM/power metal sound whilst flirting with doom and traditional heavy metal throughout. The production is modern, which could scare away those in search of a throwback band, however I feel the album really benefits from the crystal clear sound. The band sound on fire throughout, with Andy Sneap and Kev Bower spewing forth devilish leads and fist-pumping riffs, and I have to give special mention to vocalist David Bower. I've had the pleasure of catching these guys live, and I must say that David Bower is one of the finest frontmen I've witnessed in years. I know some people aren't sold on his vocals but I love his Jon Oliva meets Brian Connolly style.

Each track on the album flows into each other, and David Bower's theatrical style of vocals gives the album a story/play feel which is really cool. Every track smokes, but special mention would go to "Blasphemy and the Master" which has some really heavy moments, and as cliché as it might be I can't help but love the whole "Satan I bow to the devil" part. The opening attack of "On Earth As It Is In Hell" and "Plague And Fyre" is simply flawless, "The Quest" is a great live number and a quality headbanger and the same can be said about "Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us". But really the whole thing is bloody great.

All in all, this is one of 2011's must hear albums. Sure to make a load of best-of lists, and rightfully so. These guys have the potential to be a fucking leviathan in a sea of metal bands, and I really hope we hear more. As far as I'm concerned, Human Remains is an essential listen for any metal fan. Buy this now, and if given the chance, catch them live.

More about Hell...
Review: Curse & Chapter (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: Human Remains (reviewed by MetalMike)
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