Rough Edge: Hell Within CD Reviews

HELL WITHIN

"Shadows of Vanity" (Lifeforce; 2007)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Sounding very much unlike a band that is called Hell Within, this Massachusetts quintet nonetheless display an affinity for the metal on "Shadows of Vanity."

Keeping up with fellow statesmen Shadows Fall and All That Remains, tracks like "A Silent Prayer for the Haunted" contain thrash riffs and rapid-fire fills aplenty, while "Lay Down Your Arms" combines old school spirit and new school harmonies that demonstrate this band's love for both Testament and Trivium.

This nine-track collection is far from groundbreaking, yet should provide a nice jolt to those ready to rock out to melodic metal.

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/hellwithin.

"Asylum of the Human Predator" (Lifeforce; 2005)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Hell Within, hailing from my old stomping grounds in Massachusetts, are proof that the metalcore genre is not quite devoid of engaging sounds. After a self-released debut EP, "Asylum of the Human Predator" is the band's debut full-length under Lifeforce.

Hell Within will gladly tell you that they are post-hardcore and I won't argue with that point. The band's hardcore background is still pretty evident – and it goes without saying that hardcore in and of itself is not my favorite genre. However, Hell Within manage to mix in Slayer-esque intensity, NWOAHM styled melo-death, and some elements of thrash. The band's use of breakdowns is sparse and appropriate – not overkill like most bands you might hear employ such tactics these days.

The vocals tend toward the raspier side of the scale which doesn't win points from me, but manages to be quite appropriate in the band's overall scheme. There are some clean vocals which are welcome respites even if they don't quite match the high standard of Killswitch Engage.

"Asylum of the Human Predator" was produced and recorded by John Ellis and mixed by Zuess. The sound of "Asylum of the Human Predator" is sharp and dynamic.

Hell Within: Matt McChesney on vocals, Isaias Martinez and Tony Zimmerman on guitars, Joe "The Ham" Martinez on bass, and Brian "Bubba" Joyce on drums.

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/hellwithin.

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.

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