Ελληνικά
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Year: 2022
In December 2, 2022 coming out of nowhere came in to my hands ‘Overtaker’. Hammers of Misfortune’s seventh full-length (and first in six years as the band has been on hiatus for this long period) following the brilliant ‘Dead Revolution’ (2016). The album marks the return of vocalist Jamie Myers (along with bass duties), who hasn’t been featured on an album since ‘The Locust Years’ (2006). The complete lineup features besides John Cobbett the mastermind of Hammers of Misfortune, also known for being guitarist of Vhöl, ex-Ludicra, Vhol, ex-Unholy Cadaver, Amber Asylum, ex-The Lord Weird Slough Feg, ex-Gwar (live), ex-Osgood Slaughter, Blake Anderson on drums -ex-Vektor, ex-Warbringer (live), ex-Village (live)- and Sigrid Sheie on keyboards, and vocals that we also have met on Vhöl and Amber Asylum. This is the first time we hear the band moving in Thrash fields. While all members individually help to create a unique extreme result, the ace on HOM sleeve is the ability to balance the dynamic of Thrash elements with progressive structure, experimental nature and theatrical parts HOM always had. Of course when we say Thrash we mean Tech-Thrash. It’s not easy to make a technical Thrash turn and combine 70’s-style keyboards in your songs and the final result to sound awesome. The drumming is beastly, the vocal lines have a special variety and makes Cobbett’s voice to not be missed at all (as long as the record spins), the bass lines are damn thick and audible, while the guitars are shining. As for the songs are definitely catchy especially ‘Don’t Follow the Lights,’ and ‘The Raven’s Bell’ with the haunting reverb, while in ‘Overthrower’ and ‘Dark Brennius,’ we hear former vocalist and Slough Feg frontman Mike Scalzi on a guest duet appearance with Myers, giving traditional Heavy Metal vibes to the album and makes us wondering how on Earth is 16 years away from the band as their bond is like he actually never left! You can’t forget to mention ‘Outside Our Minds’ as a highlight, or the schizophrenic in the veins of Voivod ‘Vipers Cross’.
