Hailing from Bergen, Norway Hellish Outcast came to my attention a couple of years back as I listened to their Debut EP Raping-Killing-Murder a superb example of Scandinavian Death/Thrash Metal.

A sort of amalgamation of other acts, there are members from Byfrost, Breed, 66 Crusher and Keep of Kalessin for those of you who care, go listen to each; fantastic music has been created by all of Hellish Outcasts’ associated acts. This first full length album ‘Your God Will Bleed’ is as strong as any of their contemporaries and a much more developed piece of work from their previous. When I first listened to this album I couldn’t help but make the usual comparisons with bands such as ZeroZonic or Hellbringer.

Opening with ‘The View, So Disgusting’ opens with a raw scream that sets the mood for violence and debauchery. Merciless riffs lead into rhythmic sections accompanied by group vocals which then break into the more frantic blast beat of which drummer Mads Lilletvedt, is master of.  The title track ‘Your God Will Bleed’ is a frantic and ferocious assault which showcases the strengths of singer Sjalg Otto. What I like about this album is that it has a constant sense of foreboding which is not only noticeable but emotive; in its purest form that’s what music has to be right?

A fantastic all-encompassing experience is stressed with ‘Djinn’; a slow build up from Lilletvedt allows a track to explode out of nowhere. This is my point of realisation that there is more to Hellish Outcast than meets the eye; the obvious thrash influences work in their own unique way, unburdened by any sense of expectation the band exploit  their influences to their benefit.

‘Genocide’ features my favourite riff of the entire album and establishes this band as a group we are likely to be listening to in many years to come. The progression and the structure are far more than I ever expected to hear; this band obviously have a lot to prove and this is certainly the right way of going about it! Songs like ‘Muffled Screams’ adds to the menacing ambience while ‘Forget’ is another highlight, with double kick-drum driving ‘You’re not a part of me’ into your ears; Brief and proliferating ‘You Will Scream’ is full of screaming and technical drum rolls that simply boggle the reflexes of this talented air drummer [yours truly].

‘Ten Times Stronger’ aptly embellishes each musicians talents and roars ‘embrace yourself…it’s the final solution’. It’s hard not to parallel this sentiment with the bands own achievements as this album moves from strength to strength. Call me crazy, but at times I heard a lot of Pantera influences in this track particularly.

The penultimate track ‘Face Forced Down’ seems to be another track which deals with society and the general poor state of affairs the global community is suffering presently.  As with all bands of this genre they deal with themes of violence,  ‘Pull out your knife….do not hesitate’ is prime example…The scholar in me wants to argue this as a harsh social critique but at the same time it’s hard to evaluate so I’ll leave out the pedantic bullshit and get back to the music.

‘Hubris’ ends this ear battering album with a bludgeoning about the head, the rasping vocals and marching drum beats are nothing short of an epic closure.  I’m pretty sure I even heard some Siberian throat singing thrown in there for good measure although those more knowledgeable can judge that particular genre.

Musically this album propels Hellish Outcast into another stratosphere of belligerence. I’d like to make lots of Viking clichés of this band invading our shores and raping our senses but it’s far too easily prescribed I’m afraid; the only piece of advice I can offer is, be afraid! Your god Will Bleed establishes Hellish Outcast as an outstanding group of musicians, and deservedly so!

Drop-d Rating: 7/10