Crossfader

SPLIT by Hellripper/Batsheva

by · September 3, 2015

split hellripper batsheva

Genre: Speed Metal, Black Metal

Favorite Tracks: “Hells Rock N’Roll”, “Armed With The End”, “Inter Spinas”

Tragic and difficult as it might be to accept, Lemmy Kilmister is dying. What will ever fill the gigantic hole left in the wake of one of heavy metal’s most incredible and enduring figures? Hopefully bands like Hellripper. With only two tracks on the new split Hellripper shares with Label 2318 counterparts Batsheva, they make quite the impression. At their essence, Hellripper sound like Mötorhead needed someone to fill in on vocals while on tour in Norway and found the nearest black metal singer, with the result being pure speed and fury (the likes of which are rarely heard). Both “Hells Rock’n’Roll” and “Armed with the End” deliver such a satisfactory punch to the gut that almost any modern metal fan should become a glutton for their punishment. Listening to them, you have to admit that you’re having fun listening to black metal, something that seems counterintuitive to the genre.

 

 

After the refreshing assault to the ears that Hellripper delivers, Batsheva feels a little standard in comparison. It’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with the three tracks they deliver; if you’re looking for new black metal to enter the endless void of darkness and pain with, they get the job done quite nicely. “Inter Spinas” in particular gives that nice, warm, “obliteration of all feeling in the wake of the total annihilation of your ears” sensation that black metal serves up so nicely.

 

 

There are satisfying organs and creepy Japanese vocal samples sprinkled throughout the three tracks they offer up that keep things fresh and original enough, but it’s hard to feel completely impressed when compared to the left-hook that Hellripper delivers. Even so, both of these are bands that you should probably keep an eye and ear out for, and hopefully we’ll be seeing more innovative releases from Label 2318 soon.

Verdict: Recommend

Carter Moon grew up in the desolate Evangelic capital of the world and responded by developing a taste in counter culture, which eventually bloomed into a love for filmmaking and screenwriting. Carter has average opinions on most things, but will defend them adamantly and loudly until no one else wants to bother speaking up. He runs Crossfader's podcast, IN THE CROSSHAIRS.

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