Starting off with a classic b movie outtake, then straight into a storming groovy Rammstein esq pounding riff, Hellbound are wasting no time on new album Overlords. Mixing together the best parts of dirty southern groove and European industrial metal to give us an albums full of style, swagger, piss and vinegar.
When you get described as “the bastard child of Rob Zombie and Dolly Parton“, you stand up and take note. I am all aboard the hype train when something different is presented before me. When the hillbilly overlord himself is intwined with the queen of country music, I am expecting a plate of pure filth the likes of which mankind is ill prepared for.
Formed in Umeå in 2011 by former Nocturnal Rites lead guitarist Nils Norberg together with Miika Rudin from local sludge outfit Scumkill. Together with bass player Nicklas Bäckström from extreme prog metallers Moloken they released their debut album Through Hell and Muddy Waters in 2012. Nils left in 2013, and guitar players Henrik Mikaelsson (ex Hate Ammo, ex Live Elephant) and Mathias Nylén (ex Live Elephant) were recruited.
Now, after 7 years in the abyss, Hellbound return with new album Overlords. After the storming opening track, the title track gently lulls you in with some delicate country twang, before smacking you square in the face with a booming industrial riff. You’re left stuck in the middle of a tug of war throughout the album. From being gently caressed by an expert masseuse, and being hit with swinging haymakers from a heavyweight champion. And I love every minute of it.
Out of Time is the centrepiece. Straying into metalcore and power metal territory, but never by enough to disturb the flow of the track. Merely adding a little seasoning to keep things interesting. Ending with a classically inspired piano outro just so show off their softer side. Before smacking you in the face once again with Towers Burning – which is straight out of the 2001 nu-metal playbook.
Hellbound are certainly refreshed after an extended hiatus. Overlords provides a twist on the typical groove metal style, adding in plenty of spice to differentiate from the crowd. There is still some honing in to do on solidifying the sound, however I very much enjoyed what I experienced. Keep releasing albums like this, and the swamp’s the limit. Who knew Sweden had cowboys?
Score 7.5/10
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