HELLYEAH "Undeniable" album review

             


       Hellyeah is some what of a super group that formed in 2006 with former members of many different bands but most notably Mudvayne and Pantera. Since their self titled debut album came out nearly ten years ago Hellyeah has given us a decade of unadulterated metal. This is Hellyeahs fifth studio album which is immensely impressive for this band, since many of the members are juggling multiple projects.

"Undeniable" is the next chapter in the Hellyeah story following their highly acclaimed 2014 album "Blood For Blood." "Undeniable" picks up right where "Blood For Blood" left off, you'd think that these albums were recorded together rather then having almost a two year period in between them. The album is harsh, brutal and fast. Giving listener's the adrenaline spike that many have come to expect when they throw on a Hellyeah record.

I already had a taste of the new album with the track "Human" from Sirius XM Liquid Metal, so I had an idea of what to expect on the new album. What I really like about this song is that it has more of an anthemic rhythm to it without loosing the hardcore elements. In past Hellyeah albums I noticed that the harder tracks seemed to lack an anthemic feel and went straight into a full on onslaught that rattled your skull and left you in a metal induced daze. Not to say I didn't  like those tracks, usually those songs are what really made me fall in love with the records but its nice to see Hellyeah branching out with new styles. "Human" is also a great show case for the vibe of the album, "Undeniable" has a far darker vibe then any of the other albums. Now thats saying something because Hellyeah isn't a happy band in the first place but with this record its as if they found a new level of hate and anger that they delved into.

"Blood Plague" snapped up my attention very quickly, the opening riff is a masterpiece in itself. Only to be followed by Chad Gray tearing into the song like a rabid wolf with his signature raspy growl. This will remind die hard fans of old school Hellyeah, the song is extremely heavy and will have you moving to the violent riffs in no time. They even managed to fit in some clean vocals without compromising the overall heaviness of the song.

The next song that caught my attention was "Start A Riot" you can instantly tell this song was made for playing live. With an easily recognizable intro and simple aggressive lyrics that fans will easily be able to sing along to and an extremely easy chorus to chant. This song will draw people to the pit like moths to a flame, its hard not to feel the anger surge through your veins as you listen to this aggresive masterpiece.

"Love Falls really stuck out to me as well it is by far the darkest track on the record, with constant referrals to deppression and self harm its hard not to get chills while listening to the dark song. "Blood Plague" is the most emotionally moving song on the album by a long shot. Immediately making you sympathize with the cold, harsh lyrics. Anyone that listens will be able to connect with the band and  transport their way back to their darkest moment as the toned down guitars and and quick drum beat lift you away.

In conclussion Hellyeah has released another amazing record that they can add to an already impressive arsenal. "Undeniable" is sure to be another hit for an already storied band that has released continued to raise everyones expectations time and time again. "Undeniable" is available on iTunes and all major retailers.

Headbangers Heaven Productions.
2016 All Rights Reserved.
Eric Snelling.

Volbeat "Seal the Deal & Lets Boogie!" album review

     Volbeat is a Danish heavy metal band which was formed in Copenhagen sixteen years ago, in that time Volbeat has had an astronomical rise to fame and become a force to reckon with in the hard rock world. Volbeat was influenced by many bands and genres of rock which is one of the main reasons for their unique sound.

"Seal the Deal & Lets Boogie!" is the sixth studio album to be released by Volbeat, and with their 2013 album "Outlaw Gentleman & Shady Ladies" being a huge success becoming the first Danish band to chart on the billboard 200 since 1997 they had a lot to live up to. However Volbeat let everyone know that they were still in the game with releasing another monster album to rock the masses.

Now onto the album, the first thing that struck me was the actual album title, now Volbeat has become some what known for their long and semi awkward album titles their music however is anything but awkward and stretched out. Volbeat has become some what of a breath of fresh air with their unique and unmistakable style. The Danish group prove time and time again that they jump to the beat of their own drum with little consideration for the ever changing music industry around them. This is extremely clear in the subjects Volbeat likes to focus on telling stories of emotional pain and many songs having a historical setting, each song seems to have a different story that it is trying to get across. One song that showcases Volbeat's exceptional story telling ability is "Goodbye Forever" which not only contains the signature musical riffs that we've grown to love but also exceptional lyricism. The song from my perspective seems to be about someone suffering from depression. The lyrics are so heavy and chilling that it almost feels like it shouldn't work with the upbeat tempo but somehow Volbeat pulls it off and what emerges is an extremely catchy and meaningful track.

The album also contains two cover songs the first being "Battleship Chains" by Georgia Satellites, this song was released as a follow up to the song "Keep your hands to yourself"but didn't have nearly as much commercial success. However that being said the track is still a great song with an exceptional opening guitar riff and upbeat tempo, the song will have you head banging in no time. The second cover track on the record is the song "Rebound" by the Pop-Punk band Teenage Bottlerocket. This isn't my favourite track on the record but in itself the song is still great, but with all the other tracks on the Volbeat record being so exceptional "Rebound" seems to pale in comparison.

This is the second record that Rob Caggiano an ex guitarist for Anthrax has been on, we really hear Rob come alive in tracks like "Seal The Deal" where his shredding ability becomes insanely evident. His groovy off beat killer guitar riffs and wild solos  really make the record what it is and give the listener that extra shot of adrenaline that will have them replaying songs over and over again.

"Seal the Deal & Lets Boogie!" is out now on iTunes and all major retailers, if your still on the fence about the record all the songs are available on youtube. The record in itself though is a work of art and show's that Volbeat is still on the rise and we can expect more great things from them in the future.

Headbanger Heaven Productions.
2016 All Rights Reserved.
Eric Snelling.

Black Bay "Welcome Apocalypse" Album review

             Black Bay is a Thrash Metal band from Sundsvall Sweden, they have released their first album "Welcome Apocalypse." The album itself is a very well thought out record the lyrics are not your typical thrash metal lyrics. Where many bands try to shock their audiences with lyrics that include constant profanity and scenes of pointless violence Black Bay do the opposite. Their songs although harsh and not lacking the hardcore aggression that we expect from a metal band's does not compromise their lyrics. They use their musical presence as a way to display their thoughts and opinions, which gives the record a more personal touch. It is very easy to see the message that each song on the record is trying to display.

This is evidently clear on the title track "Welcome Apocalypse" which starts off with a screeching guitar solo that throws your mind right back into the early days of thrash. The quick, brutal loops and constant screeching guitars is only matched by the bone chilling growls of the lead vocalist. Even though the growls are strong and harsh in no way are the words muffled which is a breath of fresh air in a music genre where often times you have no idea what message the song is portraying.

The next song I really enjoyed was the song "Victorious" the opening riff is extremely powerful and reminded me very much of the opening of a Black Sabbath song. This riff is monstrous and is nearly impossible not to head bang to. Combine that with the raspy vocals and you have one killer combination. The chorus is more anthemic with the lyrics getting stuck in you head almost immediately. It is the type of song that you'll catch yourself singing without even realizing it.

Black Bay's song "Illusion and dream" caught me off guard with the other songs on the album coming right out of the gate kicking and screaming "Illusion and Dream" took a slower place with a nice  melodic start to the track. But Black Bay does not dissapoint as the song really kicks off, the guitars and drums simultaneously start giving whoever is listening a kick in the teeth. Once again the band delivers with anthemic lyrics and a catchy raspy voice that gives the song the elements of hardcore grunge without loosing that thrash metal vibe that makes the song really come together as a whole.

Each song on the album really show cases just how talented and diverse Black Bay is as a metal band, instead of doing what many bands do and finding their comfort zone and staying in it. Black Bay seems to constantly change up their music making styles so that the listener is always guessing and really has no idea whats coming next. Id highly recommend Black Bay to anyone of my fellow metal heads because the band has something for everyone.

Black Bays album "Welcome Apocalypse" is out now.

Link to the title track "Welcome Apocalypse'  ---->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b11J7Onk_Rk

Follow them on instagram at @blackbay and Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackbaysweeden


Headbangers Heaven Productions.
2016 All Rights Reserved.
Eric Snelling.