REVIEW: Hell Bent – Hell Bent (EP)

Providence, Rhode Island’s Hell Bent merge together the hardest thrash and speed metal and hardcore with a bit of d-beat thrown in there too in the best crossover tradition to create a hell of a noise. The band which features members who have done time in the likes of Dropdead, Paindriver and Straight To Hell aren’t messing around and go straight for the jugular with their ferocious new self titled EP.

The six songs that make up the EP are all short, sharp, shocks of energy that would wake the dead such is their vigorous nature. From the opening salvo of Yeast to the galloping metal finale of Scythian Horde and all in between, Hell Bent unleash aural violence in the fastest way possible, barely pausing for breath as they do it.

The crossover sound that was popularized by bands such as DRI, Corrosion Of Conformity and Cryptic Slaughter is a major influence on the Hell Bent sound as is classic speed metal and thrash metal but the band are experienced enough to put their own even heavier spin on things and do so with style. Even when they add other influences like Discharge and S.O.B (especially on the berserk Canis Lupus Superion) and an Exodus/Celtic Frost hybrid (on Scythian Horde) into the mix, they still sound like Hell Bent rather than the sum of their influences. One listen to this EP proves that without a shadow of a doubt especially on a track like Bastard Curse Of Abraham which boasts a storming groove and highlights the formidablely intense vocals of frontman Badger.

This EP is a great introduction to the music of Hell Bent and hopefully a full length album will be forthcoming from the band so that they can unleash another breakneck assault on the listeners ears. Until then though, let this EP crush your ears in its own inmitable fashion.