I knew Hellsaw from their previous release, Phantasm. I was happy to get their new work, but oh no, not another Napalm CD with those anti-criminal voice overs! On Cold, it's the turn of some dude in a semi-catatonic state of mind or just completely stoned telling me what I'm listening to.
My first impressions were that Cold was an excellent album, showing a mature Hellsaw. The song writing is indeed very good, and the musicianship is top notch. My only complaint would be directed towards the drumming, for it is too loud for my liking, but it does pound and have variety. After many listens, I still believe this disc is a good album, although the initial enthusiasm has worn off somewhat. The album starts very well with "A Suicide Journey". Introduced by classical guitars and keyboards, the Black Metal artillery is then taking over with varied tempos and great guitar playing, as well as raspy vocals. On track #3, "Der Harzwald", kicks off with moderate tempos. This song has a familiar sound, epic clean vocals and ends with arpeggios done on classical guitar, much to my pleasure. You then have a series of good songs with some little extras such as: industrial sounds, cool time signatures, tortured/theatrical voices, good riffing and so on. Down to spot #10, "Ache", you will hear deep raspy/ whispers, distorted arpeggios and moderate paces. Closing instrumental "Subterranian Empire" is built on epic keyboard lines, a nice tune; although I'm not really sure it fits there.
Cold is actually a good album overall that makes a strong impression at first, but I'm wondering how long that would last.
Track Listing:
1 - A Suicide Journey
2 - The Black Death
3 - Der Harzwald
4 - 1 F
5 - Cold Aeon
6 - Psycho Pastor
7 - Sulphur Prayer
8 - I Saw Hell
9 - Moonrites Diabolicum
10 - Ache
11 - Subterranian Empire
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