Rough Edge: Hellfueled CD Reviews

HELLFUELED

"Volume One" (Nuclear Blast; 2004)

It may be the perfect musical crime, but it's also one kick ass CD!

Hellfueled's "Volume One" is the CD that Ozzy Osbourne never recorded but that you've always wanted to hear. Written and recorded with Osbourne's style obviously in mind on virtually every track, "Volume One" sounds a lot like vintage Ozzy (say, "Ultimate Sin" era) but with Zakk Wylde on guitar. The thing is that not only does the music bring to mind the classic Ozzy sound, but lead vocalist Andy Alkman sounds so much like Osbourne that you'll find yourself punching the eject button on your CD player and checking the label to make sure you've got the right CD.

The good news is that "Volume One" is not only a tribute to the sound that helped make Ozzy the legend he is today, but it's a solid album on its own. Richly produced, well-written and performed with more energy than any of Ozzy's more recent releases, "Volume One" is a wall-of-sound CD that delivers the goods on every single track. Anyone who's ever enjoyed the style of music that Ozzy Osbourne is famous for will find something to like here.

Hellfueled: Andy Alkman- vocals, Jocke Lundgren- guitars, Henke Lonn- bass, Kent Svensson- drums.

For more information, check out http://www.hellfueled.com.

"The Red One" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by Jason Savage

Hellfueled was formed in Huskvarna, Sweden in 1998. Jocke and Kent had known each other for many years and have jammed together since 1990. They recorded their first demo under the name Below but another band in New York claimed the name so Andy, Jocke, Kent and Henke sat down and came up with another: Firebug. They then moved on with the recording of their second demo. Unfortunately, another band from the U.S. laid claim to Firebug - which led to the new moniker: Hellfueled.

In 2002, Andy gave up bass to Henke to concentrate only on the vocals. He developed a more natural singing style through the influence of the godfather: Ozzy Osbourne. Andy's new found vocal style is apparent on "The Red One," Hellfueled’s seventh(!) release. Vocally, Andy reminds me of Zakk Wylde meets Ozzy. Listen to Black Label Society's "Stillborn," and imagine one vocalist singing both parts. Andy has a deeper voice that can hit the Ozzy high notes when needed and that bodes well for the music.

Musically, Hellfueled embrace the old school metal style. Jocke’s guitar playing is very good and he sounds like a cross between Eddie Van Halen and Zakk Wylde. He combines the best of both styles for a sound that really gets your head bobbing. Check out the solo on "Break Free" - it smokes! They also do a commendable cover of Sabbath's "Children of the Grave."

Hellfueled isn't breaking any new ground here but "The Red One" made me want to bang my head, which is always a good thing. This CD is well worth picking up for any fans of Ozzy, Van Halen or Black Label Society.

Hellfueled: Andy Alkman- vocals, Jocke Lundgren- guitars, Henke Lonn- bass, Kent Svensson- drums.

For more information, check out http://www.hellfueled.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.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home