Hemotoxin "Restructure the Molded Mind"

    Hemotoxin does not disappoint with their newest onslaught of cranial splitting death/thrash. The band's third full-length album, “Restructure the Molded Mind,” features scorching technicality, uncompromising brutality and plenty of headbanging mind altering riffs.

    These San Francisco Bay Area musicians took their time this new album, which in all honesty was hard for me to accept, especially after the band’s impressive 2016 release, “Biological Enslavement.” I remember hearing that album and doing the review thinking, “Damn, these guys have really raised the bar!” Ever since the beginning Hemotoxin has shown promise, but I believe, “Biological Enslavement,” is where the band completely surpassed their previous recordings by developing an extremely tight and technical sound. Also, it was the first album of theirs on Unspeakable Axe Records, a label that I have a tremendous amount respect for, and the label that will be releasing this new album as well.

    “Restructure the Molded Mind,” is another solid offering from the band and I do believe it is their most ambitious effort to date. The musicianship and songwriting on this album is in all honesty even more astonishing than what was on, "Biological Enslavement." Unlike some bands who think they are writing complex thought provoking lyrics, but end up sounding like Garth from Wayne's World trying to explain conspiracy theories, Hemotoxin crafts these very profound messages that are not pretentious and really resonate with where our society is heading.

    All eight tracks off of this album do not disappoint and musically you are treated to some brilliant instrumental compositions. Plus, guitarist and singer Michael Chavez has a great delivery that gives the lyrics such a vivid burst of unforgiving attitude. The first track, “Nihilistic Principle,” is an explosion into a chaotic world of tectonic technical riffs and bombastic drum parts. The band’s drummer, Brandon Wilcox, plays with great precision behind the kit and he handles the complex rhythms with an almost inhuman ability. He is like the Terminator of drumming, although instead of killing people to change the future, he is recording drum tracks to make the future a better place. Bassist Shane Hunt-Dussé provides some killer bass lines and his playing compliments Michael’s guitar riffs extremely well.

    Overall, their musicianship on this album is simply outstanding, however, they do not over complicate the listener with pointless technical arrangements. Take for example the song, “Legions of Alienation,” where the open riff section hits hard like a suplex from Brock Lesnar, matching Michael’s ferocious delivery. Also, Michael lays down an exceptional guitar solo during the song that highlights his strong lead guitar talents.

    Tracks like “Unreality” and “Execution” do a great job conveying a progressive side at times, which I think creates a brilliant contrast with the band’s raw old school death thrash mentality. You just cannot predict where this band will go and that is what I tend enjoy most about this album. Another song I want to mention is, “Automation,” which I consider to be my favorite track off of the album. I felt the songwriting on this track was flawless as well as the instrumental compositions. This is what metal radio stations should be playing and not that watered down hardcore nonsense where the band looks like they are entering a fashion show for biggest hipster douche in the universe.

    In conclusion, Hemotoxin does not need to win a battle of the bands, or pay to play on a big metal show in order to feel like they are a worthy act, because at the end of the day these musicians prove time and time again that they are driven to create meaningful technical death thrash music. I feel that, “Restructure the Molded Mind,” is everything a ravenous death thrash maniac could ever want and more, especially in terms of solid songwriting. This is without a doubt an early contender for one of the best albums to come out this year and one I hope captures the ears and minds of the metal community in the months ahead.



Check out the song "Corrupted Flesh" below:

Hemotoxin Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Hemotoxin/


Unspeakable Axe Records Links (Pre-Orders are up and the album comes out March 16th):

FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/UnspeakableAxeRecords/

Website:

http://www.unspeakableaxerecords.com/

Orphan Devil “Victims of the Night/Drifting Away [Vinyl 7”]

    Finnish classic metal worshippers, Orphan Devil, strike as quick as lightening on their debut two-song EP. The band hammers out speedy classic metal sounding compositions with a devilish intention that is sure to appease all those denim and leather wearing metal fanatics.

    You can hear plenty of NWOBHM influence in their music, especially in how the melodies are written. The music flows with confident epic metal force and I think the band seems to be locked into a real tight sound. I also thought the singer did a tremendous job adding to the band’s overall sound by laying down some solid vocals. He really compliments the music’s tone and the lyrical delivery on both recordings is very impressive.

    The first track, “Victims of the Night,” is full of blistering riffs and catchy rhythms that get you hooked right away. You feel as though you are soaring on the wings of a mighty eagle through a valley of triumphant sounding metal splendor. The vintage sound is really welcoming and a nice deviation from the slick modern metal production that is becoming very repetitive and making bands sound all the same. I would like to hear Orphan Devil keep that mentality going forward on future recordings, because you want your recordings to convey that unique identity which makes you standout from the other guys.

    The second song, “Drifting Away,” continues the classic metal siege with more melodic guitar riffs that dig deeper than just trying to fit into the line of modern classic metal worship acts. There is a feverish ambition in their presentation and the musicianship along with their keen sense of songwriting skills allows for them to write some killer material.

    Even though there are only two songs, I think the quality of the recordings is such that people who enjoy classic sounding epic metal music will be extremely pleased. I look forward to more recordings from Orphan Devil and I want to see them continue to forge their own path by not falling into those simplistic modern metal tendencies that take a band from being able to really standout, to becoming just another worship act that copies Iron Maiden riffs. Overall, a strong effort from Orphan Devil and great way to introduce your brand of metal to all the headbangers across the world.


Check out the release below:

Orphan Devil FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Orphan-Devil-103380634338968/