#urtod void

𝕹𝖊𝖇𝖗𝖆𝖓 – 𝔚𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔯 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔪

HOLY DEATH "Abraxas" Demo 1994 (Luciferian Polish Black Metal from the dark past)

1. Abraxas 2. Inferno 3. Astral Nightmare 4. Sodomy of Megido 5. Necromancy 6. Black Inquisition 7. Blasphemy of Churches 8. Prology of Death

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

Hessians were German soldiers who fought with the Brits during the Revolutionary War. Mercenaries, if you will. I'm for not certain this is where the Portland, Maine band borrows its name, though the title of their new album would seem to reinforce the notion. 'Mercenary Retrograde' (2018) is as animated and aggressive as it is stout and disciplined. Drawing spirit from Thin Lizzy and Blue Oyster Cult with a strong metal back, HESSIAN has released another vibrant record of stalwart gems, grounded by one of the best rhythm sections you're likely to hear in these New England states.

The opening number, "I Wish I Was Dead," really grabbed me by the collar. Maybe it was the military-style drill of the drums, the forlorn riffing, or the heart-on-sleeve sentiment of the lyrics. Just when I thought I couldn't like the band more, they go and impress me with seven more songs just as engaging. Hell, engaging? This is a fucking weekend riot! From "Skull Ring" and "Dude Messiah" to "Legpuller" and "Rock and Roll Soldier,” I swear there's not an unlikable track on the whole damned spin.

One thing I love about Hessian is how they keep you guessing. There are moments when you'll be banging your head like nobody's business, then just as quickly find the urge to dance. What their live shows must be like! Similar to Hessian's first LP, 'Bachelor of Black Arts' (2014), Mercenary Retrograde is a fusion of searing heavy metal licks and fuck-you rock 'n' roll attitude. What's different here is that guitarist Angus McFarlan takes the leading role on vocals, which actually makes quite a difference in the band's overall sound compared to the last record, which featured Salli Wason's vox prominently. Rounding out the Hessian crew for Mercenary Retrograde is the rhythm section of Michael Pearce on bass and Greg Souza on drums, with some fantastic dueling action from guitarist Zöey Haab.

Did I mention that Hessian have a terrific sense of humor? I about spewed my drink when I heard the album closer, "Manos The Hands of Fate." If I was a nominal fan before, I'm definitely an acolyte now! I have a feeling that, despite Torgo's insistence, The Master would very much approve of Hessian's tribute, where'er he may now be. Nice touch with the sax, by the way (an instrument that's really reinvented itself lately within heavy music circles).

Today, Doomed & Stoned is giving you a first listen to the new album from the Portland, Maine foursome, a wicked little stomper called "The Viper." I have a feeling you're going to dig it and if you do, look for the full release of Mercenary Retrograde on September 14th via Urtod Void.

Give ear...

Some Buzz:

It took five years for Hessian to get their Bachelor of Black Arts, now it’s time to accept their Master’s diploma. The Portland, Maine-based heavy metal band garnered a substantial amount of recognition for their EP and début album - including a coveted spot as Fenriz’s Band of the Week. Mastermind Angus McFarland oversaw every stage, from sitting at the kitchen counter studying heavy metal harmonies of “the Old Ones of heavy metal” to touring nationally and playing festivals in Sweden and the UK. After a complete upheaval in lineup, Hessian are now ready with their second album Mercenary Retrograde -- a wholly apt name. Angus has called up some rock n’ roll soldiers to aid him, including Greg Souza, Mike Pearce, and Zöey Haab.

“The title of the album reflects the history of the band at the time of writing. 'Mercenary' because the band consisted of hired guns, and 'Retrograde' because we are always looking back to the Old Ones of heavy metal for inspiration.” While Thin Lizzy are held in exceptionally high regard around Camp Hessian, there’s appreciation for any of the old guard in early metal and heavy rock - even some thrashier material as well; Angus’ occasional snarling yelp is testament to that. As for the lyrics, “it is an album about sex and death, which is what all good metal albums are, at heart, about.” That goes for the rockin’ opener “I Wish I Was Dead”, the macabre “Skull Ring” or the decadent and doomy “The Viper”. Final track “Manos - The Hands of Fate” rings out on a strong note with some phenomenal saxophone work over the heavy riffing.

Hessian have been through the wringer, but perseverance and a wholehearted belief in heavy metal have allowed them to prevail. Mercenary Retrograde is a triumphant record that looks proudly at the past and future simultaneously.

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TARANIS "Obscurity", Demo 1992 (Cult Black Metal Darkness from Poland)