Doom metallers Joe Hasselvander, T.C. Tolliver, Martin Swaney & Paolo Alegri come together to form the mighty band The Hounds of Hasselvander. Once this was a project from before you were even born (Me included), and has reformed in 2007 to kick our asses once again. Now, in 2012 they have released their slow and heavy album entitled “The Ninth Hour“. The riffs and bass work is quite haunting and incredibly heavy. The rhythm riffs are filthy and the lead riffing over that adds to the scary effect that this band has. Even if their intentions aren’t to invade your soul and turn it to the dark side, these riffs definitely do that to you. Vocal work reminds me of that old school late 70′s early 80′s doom/rock n roll sound. It’s not really sung, it’s not screamed…it’s told. You are being briefed by a minister of evil and he helps the music invade your mind. Drumming is rock solid on this album, from beginning to end it’s very well timed and placed drum patterns and quirks. This album is 100% greatness and full of that old doom metal sound we’ve worshipped for over 40 years now.
If the songs aren’t just that nasty sludge/doom then they are a rockin’ groove that makes you want to chug some whiskey and throw the bottle at someone. Seriously, these guys have more balls about them than most of the brutal death metal acts. This album just sticks with me, the production, tone and writing is really well done. The production isn’t MacBook Pro’d to death and overly crisp. Which is good because the crusty notes being forced into my ears helps their sound out. It defines them, it makes it sound tough.
I know these guys came first many many years ago, but they have a Crowbar thing about them. Their guitar/bass tone is very similar to them. The vocals are very Sabbath/Osbourne, especially when the lyrics are kinda sang in a way. The Ninth Hour is a good album, it’s not overly ambitious and over the top, so you could play this at your parents house and not get dirty looks. They may even enjoy this and get the album themselves! Well, my parents were all about rock n roll, so I know they would love this.
Which brings me to this point: This is modern classic metal right here. It’s brand new music but it sounds so vintage and awesome. The Hounds of Hasselvander brings out that desire to pop in something we’ve all enjoyed for years and years. Play this in the car, play this at work, play this at a home……anyone who hears this album will enjoy the hell out of it.
If you don’t appreciate this album or vocal style, that may be where you have a problem with the album. The production isn’t like the new Asking Alexandria album. There are no breakdowns, electronic synth riffs, no barking-screaming-or even high pitched whiny singing. This is some drink some beers and do a gnarly burnout in a 67 Nova til the wheels catch fire album. I highly recommend you check out The Hounds of Hasselvander and especially their album “The Ninth Hour“.