Hellfuck - Diabolic Slaughter

HELLFUCK - Diabolic Slaughter (GODZ OV WAR - CD 2022)

There was a time back in the early 90's when I would get cut for the German thrash metal trinity of Kreator, Sodom and Destruction. These bands meant a lot to me, and obviously I still hold their early catalogue dear. But it is just sad that despite their longevity, I don't really make anything of it and most of the stuff these bands did since mid 90's is useless to me. I think that only Sodom is still able to catch my attention, while the other two's recent albums can easily be buried and forgotten. What takes us to Hellfuck, who are completely new band from Poland and to their debut CD "Diabolic Slaughter". What's the connection between Hellfuck and the trio of German veterans of thrash? Well, I perceive the music on "Diabolic Slaughter" as completely infected by the old Teutonic thrash legacy. 

And it's not just a lame comparison, Hellfuck really took everything what's best in the old thrash (maybe except some more melodic and catchy parts, which such Kreator sometimes had) and built some killer songs on it. The sheer aggression, viciousness, razor sharp, cutting riffs, great fast pace and a whole lot of brilliant energy - it's all there. The music speeds like crazy, Hellfuck must feel really comfortable in this style, since they hardly ever slow down and definitely do not take prisoners. Obviously "Diabolic Slaughter" has a bit more updated production, and the general feeling of this music is far from something archaic, especially with these insane blasts... But it has that amazing old school feel, without sounding like a useless copycat. The whole satanic and blasphemous attitude is also noteworthy - from the amazing album artwork through the titles up to all lyrics ("Slay the nuns, whores of priests... Holy Mary, suck the Prick of Satan!" - hahaha). And finally, I am very surprised hearing how Skullripper sounds on "Diabolic Slaughter". Obviously, he is a great singer, I am great fan of both Embrional and Azarath, but in Hellfuck he sounds completely different, more like an ugly bastard son of Schmier and Petrozza. Damn, he really nailed these thrashing shrieks perfectly, hats off. 

That's all what I have to say about "Diabolic Slaughter". This album may not revolutionize your world, it will not become a new monument of thrash metal... but that’s not the point. I love how Hellfuck sounds here, this album kicks ass and almost makes me feel younger, since it so eagerly invites the listener for the headbanging. Reign in hell, fuckers. 

Standout tracks: “H.M.S.T.O.P.S”, “Reigning in Hell”... but they’re all equally good

Verdict: 80/100