This Is Hell is a band I’ve followed on the periphery for a few years now. “The Polygraph Cheaters” off their debut album Sundowning was a banger, and the rest of their releases were good enough to keep them on my radar, if not in constant rotation. I also admire their touring ethic, and the honest communication they’ve given their fans through outlets like the B9Board, of which I’m a member.
So when they posted the new track “Salt The Earth” about a month ago, I sat up and took notice. This was a different and much more metallic sound than the TIH I was accustomed to, and every riff held me captivated.
Last week, their new album Black Mass went up in its entirety as a free stream on infamous metal and hardcore site Lambgoat. As I type this, I’m listening to what might be my favorite This Is Hell album for the first time, and I thought I’d take the time to give a few first thoughts on the album before it releases on Tuesday, October 11th [today].
First, as I mentioned above, the sound is a lot more metalcore-influenced than their previous albums, with a few riffs and solos reminiscent of classic bands like Integrity. It also debuts a vocal style dissimilar to what they’ve used before, with a little more melody present than the TIH that I’m used to. Not a bad thing at all. It works very well, especially in the context it’s used.
It makes me eager to make my way out to see how it translates to their famously energetic live shows. The album also shows maturation of sound, and improved production from their previous albums, which is always a good thing. A few long-time fans may be off-put by the changes, but I’m sure most of us will just crack a beer and head bang along.
As a side note: this album is being released on the somewhat infamous Rise Records, in the midst of a few other releases that break their stereotype of being a crabcore-centric label. With bands like TIH, Man Overboard and Transit now under their wings, Rise has quickly transformed themselves from a label I had written off into a label that handles some of my favorite bands.
So I say good for you, This is Hell, and good for you, Rise. If both of you continue to drop solid releases like this, I can see you staying on my radar for years to come.
Check out This Is Hell’s new album Black Mass, streaming for free on Lambgoat.
