West London’s Hang The Bastard have been a band since 2007, though they’ve not been the most prolific songwriters, having only released one full length album so far in their career, they’re back with their long-awaited followup, ‘Sex In The Seventh Circle’. Having had two previous vocalists, HTB have finally settled on one, and he came from within the band. Tomas Hubbard used to play Bass in HTB, but has now picked up the microphone and shown that he can take on the mantle. With a new bass player in tow, HTB are finally ready to deliver on the potential they have.
Clocking in at 48 minutes, HTB have many different arrows to use in their bow, combining blazing growls from Hubbard with chugging riffs, the songs are amongst some of the best metal songs released this year. ‘Mists of Albion’ could easily have been on the latest Slipknot album, whilst ‘Hornfel’ shows Hubbard’s growl to perfection. Title track ‘Sex In The Seventh Circle’ is a ripping tune with great chord progression, underpinned by haunting vocals and some exceptional drumming. The album is very reminisicent of Black Sabbath as well as Metallica, which is in no way a bad thing. The band sound very tight on record, and the songs sound as if they will translate to a live setting with ease. With two interludes to break the album up, ‘(Reprised)’ features one of the best riffs on the album. Though it’s only a minute and a half long and is an instrumental, it’s a real highlight. It would translate well to being an opening salvo for the band to play live. Closer, ‘Sweet Mother’ is a cavalcade of noise, featuring a breakdown which could get even the disbelievers to headbang. The guitars are utilized like extra members of the band, giving each song it’s own identity, something which is very tough to do in this genre of music.
Overall, Hang The Bastard have shown that they should be taken seriously as a UK hope for metal music. With many metal bands taking different influences and not being straight up the middle metal anymore, there is a gap in the market. Hang The Bastard have the tunes to take that gap and make it their own. Having already toured relentlessly in their history, the band will hit the road with these new songs, and bring a whole new legion of fans to them. They’re one of the best metal bands to look out for in 2014.
ADAM ROSARIO