hellfueled emission of sins

Released: 01 February 2010 Label: Black Lodge

Given that they effectively created the whole genre, it’s no surprise that Black Sabbath have influenced virtually every metal band that followed them. Few though have taken that influence to the extremes of out and out hero worship that Hellfueled display on this, their fourth album.

This is never more apparent than with the vocals of Andy Alkman. The frontman is a vocal doppelganger for Ozzy and the rest of the band is not far behind in their obvious infatuation for all things Sabbath.

The strong, sludgy riff around which opening track Where Angels Die is built would not sound out of place on Volume 4 or Master of Reality and despite being highly derivative, it sets a positive tone for what is a very enjoyable album.

End of the Road could easily be an outtake from Never Say Die or Technical Ecstasy while both Am I Blind and Lost Forever could slide unnoticed into Ozzy’s early solo catalogue. You should be getting the idea by now that this is probably as close as a group of Swedes will ever get to capturing the spirit of Brum’s finest.

What stops the album descending into parody is the strong songwriting, punchy production and solid performances from all the band members, especially guitarist Jocke Lundgren who shows himself to be more than capable of delivering some fine Iommi style rhythm work, as well as dishing out the occasional – you guessed it – Zakk Wylde style solo.

The album does develop its own character and personality as it goes on, so it never sinks into plagiarism, but it is a mightily close call in places.

Now, if Ozzy fans would like to form an orderly queue.....

by Marcus Jervis