Review of Impious - Hellucinate

Back to deliver more top-notch thrash at top-speed as Impious release their fourth chapter, Hellucinate. Admittedly, I hadn't really kept up on this band since their first release, the highly enjoyable Evilized, back in 1998 - and I'm kicking myself for it now. I'm a fan of all things thrash and most things Swedish, but I never managed to stomach The Crown very well. Impious essentially do what The Crown does (did?), only they do it with a little more personalization and identity.

Roaring right out of the gates, Impious are in their best form to date. They blitz through track after track of high energy Swedish thrash with a rhythmic death metal bark. Tight and hard hitting drumming provides the perfect beat for the Slayer-inspired riffs and frantic finger-tapping and bending guitar solos. "Wicked Saints", beginning with one of the catchiest riffs I've ever heard, brings the album to a level of intensity that'll have you anticipating the next track. "Infernique" actually contains some shrill and epic heavy metal vocals, for christ's sake. They're executed very well and used sparingly, but it makes the song that much better. What more can you ask for? It's good. Really good. I shouldn't even have to write this review. I should just be able to leave it at "get this if you like death/thrash." Honestly, there is a weaker point in the release. The last track, "Suicide Park", is....definitely misplaced. While good, it just doesn't mesh with the overall feel of the rest of the album. It's just nitpicking, though - Hellucinate is certainly worth every penny of your beer money.

I don't know what's wrong with me lately. Almost every album I come across seems to blow my mind. Are all these releases really this good, or am I just becoming easily impressed? Whatever the case is, I know I don't find as many albums as enjoyable as Hellucinate very often. I think I'll be taking a look into their back catalogue as to see what I've been missing these last few years. In any case, get this. It's about time these guys earn a little more recognition.

Release Details

Impious

Hellucinate

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