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HAMMERHEDD
"Grand Currents" (Hammerhedd;
2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Hammerhedd's "Grand Currents" rambles from lengthy track to lengthy track (the longest caps out at 11:27!) with a raging metal ferociousness that cannot be denied. The tempos are fast and furious, the guitars raunchy and like razorwire, and the vocals are rough and raw. The musicianship throughout is simply amazing.
The reason I use the word "rambles" above is because that rambling is both the band's strength and weakness. There's no real form to the band's music, they just roar through each track from beginning to the end, changing tempos, inserting weird lead breaks and just doing their thing. It works in a bizarre, disjointing kind of way but it also doesn't work at the same time. It's as though the band is performing some kind of heavy metal progressive jazz that's refreshing while at the same time being repulsive.
One thing I can say for certain is that Hammerhedd's "Grand Currents" is unique. It will certainly appeal to those looking for something wildly different but its singularity will probably put many others off.
For more information, check out https://www.hammerhedd.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
