KATE'S ACID
"Hellbender" (High Roller; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
On "Hellbender," Kate's Acid take us back to the days of classic metal, in the vein of Judas Priest, Saxon, and even band's like The Sweet. The nine tracks here are loaded with irresistible guitar riffs, attitude-laden vocals, and tempos that don't quite meet the "speed metal" label I've seen mentioned on my online research, but that keeps things moving along at a rolling pace.
There are a few moments here that are a little too familiar, beginning with the first track on the album and its guitar/motorcycle intro that mimics Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart." Those moments are only minor distractions, though, as the band delivers track after track of infectious rock'n'roll. In other words, "Hellbender" may not break any boundaries or steer into new avenues of sound, but I don't think that was ever the point. The point is just to kick your rock'n'roll ass. And "Hellbender" does that.
My favorite track, by far, is "Do Not Burn the Witch," which speeds things up tempo-wise and also delivers some searing lyrical/vocal power. The album ends with the over six-minute "Air Raid," a slower tune in the vein of (musically, if not lyrically) or "I Still Love You" by Kiss. It's a fitting closure to an album which sounds old and new at the same time and still manages to grab your attention and hold it throughout.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/KatesACID/.
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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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
