After Nifelheim called it quits at the end of 2022, vocalist Hellbutcher quickly formed a new band featuring some well-known names. How about Martin “Devastator” Axenrot (Bloodbath, Opeth) on drums, Necrophiliac (Mordant), Iron Beast (Unleashed) on guitar and Eld (Aeternus and Ghaals Wyrd) on bass? That would certainly deserve the label of a supergroup, right?
On paper, this can sometimes be a bit disappointing and the fact that this album was written fairly quickly after Nifelheim’s breakup and that it has been recorded in various studios initially, made me fear the worst. But nothing could be further from the truth: Hellbutcher has become a solid black metal album with plenty of thrash influences. The whole thing sounds fresh yet fierce.
Without naming every track, you’ve probably gathered that we are dealing with a very good collective here. On this album, the primitive black metal of Bathory and Venom is diabolically fused with the heavy metal of Iron Maiden and a touch of Mercyful Fate. Hellbutcher (the vocalist) seems to want to make a statement with Hellbutcher (the band): here I am, very alive and better than ever. The unholy fire is still present and ready to scorch everything sacred to ashes.
Vertaling door Kees van Alphen.
![](https://zwaremetalen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hellbutcher-Hellbutcher-350-1.jpg)
Score:
89/100
Label:
Metal Blade Records, 2024
Tracklisting:
- The Sword Of Wrath
- Perdition
- Violent Destruction
- Hordes Of The Horned God
- Death’s Rider
- Possessed By The Devil’s Flames
- Satan’s Power
- Inferno’s Rage
Line-up:
- Hellbutcher – Vocals
- Necrophilliac – Guitar
- Iron Beast – Guitar
- Eld – Bass guitar
- Devastator – Drums
Links: