Metal maniacs, rejoice! I’m proud to present to you:
HELLANBACH; signed via
Sanctuary Records, hailing from England - performing Heavy Metal, on their compilation set entitled: “
The Big H: The Hellanbach Anthology” (
released in 2002).
Since formation in 1979; the quintet in question have an EP, a Split and 2 full-length albums behind them. I’m introduced to their compilation set entitled: “
The Big H: The Hellanbach Anthology”. 26 tracks on 2 discs, ranging at around 51:39 for disc 1, and 41:52 on disc 2. With
HELLANBACH split up, it’s about time to go back to the past and digest some old school Heavy Metal treats. Starting off with “
Out To Get You”; I immediately notice the NWOBHM (
New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) element, which arranges an intricately designed development of heavy-hitting songwriting originalities. The sound production is fairly concrete, and delivers a solid slab of unique attributions which flair with adroit proficiencies so far.
“
Lights To The World” consists of consistent; rhythmic nimbleness that showcases psychedelic 70s characteristics, amalgamated with early 80s heaviness. “
Let’s Get This Show On The Road” balances with distinguished songwriting complexity as
Jimmy Brash on vocals constructively excels with clean, high-pitched singing juxtaposed with some epic screams here and there. “
Nobody’s Fool” has an organic substance of fluid instrumentation and musicianship expertise; that while it may not seem like much nowadays, it still represents a tangible display of impact on the prominent skill at hand.
Dave Patton on guitar flairs with dominant dexterity as he efficiently provides a rapidly groovy manifestation of motivating riffs, especially in “
All The Way”.
“
All Systems Go (Full Scale Emergency)” coordinates more enjoyable traits of bouncy mechanics and thumpy sound production diligence from powerhouse bassist
Kevin Charlten; who can nicely be heard throughout the record, creating a grandiose of blisteringly galloping methods. Songs like “
Dancin’” are a little generic, but still manage to keep a captivating grip on me. “
Time Are Getting Harder” supplies noteworthy orchestrations from pulverizer
Steve Walker, distributing meaty hooks and metrical salubriousness. “
Look At Me” systematically provides dynamic craftsmanship, shining with spirited efficaciousness and meticulous detail - a lot of melodic and symphonic kinda stuff in this portion.
“
Maybe Tomorrow” has a simplistic design to it, reminiscing early
IRON MAIDEN - still having the ability to keep me tapping my feet. While “
Motivated By Desire” up scales the contrast with more elegant composing that while the borderline foundation is uncomplicated in structure, it still flows with a quirky pattern that flows with groovy invigorations. “
Taken By Surprise” implemented a kind of jazzy punchline to it, which infused crunchy yet progressive technicalities with exquisite compositions. Overall concluding disc 1 with “
Kick It Out”; I was in the end quite surprised with this discovery, it didn’t exceed expectations – but you can guarantee to get a fix on some authentic yet creative evolutions. Now, onto disc 2.
Disc 2 establishes similar measurements; “
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat” had me baffled quite honestly, as for a song title it sounded like child’s play on the lyricism department - still a fairly entertaining track, in its own way though. “
Beaten To The Bone” relished with relentless vehemence that changed the tempo and pace extravagantly, admirably compiling a diverse variety in musical complexion. “
The Main Man” has more variegated differentiations, fabricating persistent ramifications that are still pleasantly welcome. “
Little Darlin’” shined with radio-friendly subtlety, still maintaining that exciting sense of weighted precision. “
Bandit’s Run” had slight savageness built in, which brings back the jumpy executions comically.
“
S.P.G.C.” has previous similarity to the last track; while “
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting” is a remarkable, punky rock cover of the
ELTON JOHN song. “
Panic State O.D.” brought back the sinister hostility again with ambitious results, yet again diminishing the scale with the light-hearted “
Daddy Dig Those Cats”. “
When All Is Said And Done” has versatile uniqueness, until “
Urban Paranoia” concludes the disc with primitive excellence. Bottom line,
HELLANBACH divulged in the NWOBHM campaign and helped revolutionize the growth of the genre by a large margin. The silver lining is that this compilation is a lesson on educating yourself on some classic roots of musical clarity - check it out.
Songwriting: 7
Memorability: 7
Originality: 7
Sound Production: 8