Hell Militia – Hollow Void

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Ten years have eclipsed since French underground black metal HELL MILITIA released their previous studio album. Since the band regrouped in 2018, the tumult of recent years, the pandemic and real life’s comings-and-goings were perfect ammunition for the creation of “Hollow Void.” The resultant ten-song effort is perhaps HELL MILITIA’s most strident effort to date. The band’s orthodox, unrelenting approach coalesce into an album that exploits the true nature of Black Metal: savage, unforgiving, and grim. The album contains nine tracks.

“Lifeless Light” opens the album. The opening sounds are intense, but the landscape is fairly predictable. Drums and cymbal crashes can be heard most of all, along with the raging vocals. The dualistic approach works pretty well to thicken up the sound. “Genesis Undone” is more of the same. I must admit being somewhat surprised that this band is signed to a major record label with this uninventive music. There is nothing unique or special about this album so far. “Dust of Time” is a bit of a slower grind but those cymbal crashes get in the way of much of the music. The pace then quickens with machine gun drumming.

“Within the Maze” is a shorter song with a very similar sound. The guitars build a thick wall of sound to insulate the band in safe and predicted territory. They make some pacing changes here and there but the sound still smacks of the FWOBM. The title track begins with spoken words and dark, desperate guitars. From there a slow grind begins with plenty of grimness. “The Highest Fall” begins with another slow grind of guitars and vile vocal utterances. The harrowing elements are dialed up a notch, but the sound remains highly unoriginal.

“Kingdoms Scorched” opens with clean guitars and an ominous feeling. It segues into chaos soon after, with a long scream. There is no let-up in this filthy, uncompromising sound. “Veneration” begins with spoken words about ghosts. From there, a slow grind develops. It finishes on an expected sound once again. “Corruption Rejoice” closes the album. It begins with another slow grind, and waxes and wanes a few times throughout. Spoken words in French occupy the middle of the album, and then it finishes on a strong and powerful note. But, it’s too little, too late for me.

As I mentioned before, this album is nothing special. In the annals of Black Metal, one has many choices. HELL MILITIA has unfortunately chosen to ride the coat tails of the past, and not venture out on their own. Ten years have passed since their last album, and this is all they could come up with? I am disappointed to say the least.

Songwriting: 3
Musicianship: 3
Memorability: 2
Production: 7