Nunslaughter: Hell's Unholy Fire

Of the many sub-genres of heavy metal, one has long eluded my attention--that of Devil Death Metal. I haven't spent much time discovering the classic releases by bands like Venom or even Mercyful Fate. I like heavy metal, but I've always been drawn to bands that treat these themes as something more tongue-in-cheek. Having recently seen Ghost in concert, I can say that I definitely prefer bands that are more theatrical, funny even, when they engage directly with satanic themes. As a longtime student of Gothic literature, however, I understand the interest in humankind's darker side, its relentless drive to understand why people put so much faith in religion, and its obsession with human and supernatural evil. I haven't heard Nunslaugter before, but they play hard and heavy. Their lyrics engage directly with blasphemy and disgust--themes sure to please fans who like their metal infused with the kind of darkness that bands like Slayer don't offer quite as much as they seem to. It isn't necessarily to my taste, but that doesn't mean fans won't like it. Give it a listen and see.

For metal fans who love Devil Death Metal in the spirit of Possessed, Hellhammer and Venom, Nunslaughter's long out-of-print debut, Hell's Unholy Fire, album is now available as a reissue. I don't know if this is considered a classic of its kind. If it were being released as a debut this year--2012--I would fault it for its overly harsh and tuneless vocals and its relatively simple song arrangements. I realize that some fans will dislike these critiques, after all Nunslaughter is probably very popular among death metal circles, but this just isn't something I would rush out and grab. This album has eighteen tracks and clocks in at just less than thirty minutes, the kind of album that give fans plenty to listen to, but doesn't wear out its welcome. Hellsheadbangers.com has the album for $6.66. That, I must confess, is classic and funny.

Track Listing:
1. I Am Death
2. Death By the Dead
3. Cataclysm
4. The Dead Plague
5. Helly Unholy Fire
6. Killed by the Cross
7. Burning Away
8. Nunslaughter
9. Burn in Hell
10. Blasphemy
11. Seas of Blood

Added: May 22nd 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Myspace Page
Hits: 2239
Language: english

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