Info
- Band(s): Hellbutcher
- Label(s): Metal Blade
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: September 16, 2024
- Author(s): FelixS
While Nifelheim’s official status is unclear, it is most likely that the band died a slow death in the past decade. With only the occasional sign of life in the form of a life show or an EP, the band didn’t put forth anything after 2007’s ‘Envoy Of Lucifer’, Nifelheim’s fourth full-length album since their formation in 1990. No, they have never been a really prolific band, but despite that, the band can still be considered an institute in Swedish Extreme Metal in general and specifically in the international Black/Thrash scene. Their influence stretches far beyond their native borders and the band gained high praise whenever they reared their horned skulls.
For all those who despite this, and perhaps against their better judgement, are eagerly awaiting new Nifelheim material, it must have been a relief that Nifelheim frontman Per “Hellbutcher” Gustavsson has taken matters into his own hands and continued his musical drift under his own name. Having gathered a completely new band around him, he was apparently ready to make a renewed attempt at world domination. Although… new band, they may not all be musicians who were in Nifelheim’s last line-up, but they are not exactly rookies. The close observer will recognise folks who are or were in bands such as Unleashed, Aeternus, Opeth, Witchery, Mordant, Siebenbürgen, Firespawn, Taake and Bloodbath – just to name a few.
While such similar all-star bands are not exactly a recipe for success, it is fair to say that this self-titled first album is a tasty piece of Black/Thrash Metal that for sure will be approved by anyone who was into the previous works of Gustavsson. I can very much imagine that he doesn’t really like his new-born to be compared with Nifelheim all the time, but it is not only inevitable because of his person, but also musically there are more than a few parallels to be drawn here.
Although the last two Nifelheim albums are both rather old (‘Envoy Of Lucifer’ from 2007 and 2000’s ‘Servants Of Darkness’), they serve as the best musical comparison to ‘Hellbutcher’. A very much Heavy Metal drenched sort of Melodic Black Metal, pretty much in the vein of bands like Gospel Of The Horns or later records of Desaster and Deströyer 666 these guys know their Heavy Metal classics. With nice leads, good and memorable melodies and catchy choruses the album will appeal to both Heavy Metal fans as well as those who do like their fair share of Black/Thrash Metal. It is fair to say, however, that the “Black/Thrash Metal” denomination is still mostly about the label; there are still some Thrash Metal riffs to be discerned, but it can actually best be described as just up-tempo Black/Heavy Metal.
Although the album does not treat you to anything surprising or remotely new, at any point, but it is exactly that recognisability where the album’s strength can be found. Along with the memorable riffs and melodies, it is Gustavsson’s trademark vocals that keep you on your toes. I challenge you to restrain yourself after a few listens and not hear you singing along to ‘Satan’s Power’, ‘Death’s Rider’ or ‘Hordes Of The Horned God’…
Hellbutcher
- Country: Sweden
- Style: Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Spotify
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- Country: USA
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
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