HELLSHOCK

It is time again for another nasty release from Crimes Against Humanity, a label you are strongly urged to check out. As heard on a split with Japan's EFFIGY called "Out from the Darkside" (reviewed on this site),Portland's HELLSHOCK deliver the goods in a thrashing, crust punk fashion, eschewing all that is antiseptic and going straight for the lethal infection on "Shadows of the Afterworld".

Helping to separate the band from the typical crust punk act is a series of controlled tempo, semi-melodic introductions that serve as a kind of calm before the storm. A raw, filthy guitar tone and natural sounding rhythm section sound are well suited to the delivery of these eight nihilistic tracks. There is no question that crust punk is the primary style played, but HELLSHOCK manages a bit of dynamics in the songwriting, the solos and riff changeups well done and always vicious. Though punk driven, a crossover thrash element is heard in many the songs as well. Vocalist Grizzle brings a harsh near-growl that is impossible to hear without feeling a strong desire to smack the guy next to you squarely in the mouth.

The relatively varied songwriting and above mentioned introductory segments are not just thrown together, nor cause one to wait around for the band to get going, but instead are a joy to hear. The clean picking that begins "Fathom Unknown" and steadily builds until the speed killing starts sounds great, while the most epic piece belongs to "Reaper in the Wind", the song ultimately launching into a vintage 80s thrash riff that is guaranteed to create immediate mosh pit mayhem. "Shadows of the Afterworld" is an album tailor made for the beer swilling, crust punk dirt bags among you. Be proud you're one of them.