UMUR
"Hail Death" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Black Anvil. The album was released through Relapse Records in May 2014. Since the release of "Triumvirate (2010)" the band have expanded the lineup with an extra guitarist in Sos, making them a four-piece on "Hail Death".
The extra guitarist in the lineup has an effect on the soundscape as there are several harmony guitar sections and other guitar tricks on the album that requires two guitarists. It´s only a smaller portion of the playing time, where it´s heard though and Black Anvil´s core sound is still blackened thrash metal with elements of death, doom and traditional heavy metal too. They actually use a wide variety of influences and make it work decently. There is a good energy level and aggression in the music and the raspy black metal type vocals are also delivered with conviction and passion. There are occasional use of clean vocals too. Mostly used as atmospheric backing vocals though.
The sound production is organic and raw and suits the music well. The musicianship are solid and Black Anvil generally deliver what they promise. I´m afraid the material doesn´t quite follow suit though and while it´s mostly well written and effective, it doesn´t necessarily leave a lasting impression on me. Still a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.