Hemlock, No Time For Sorrow
Las Vegas, Nevada’s Hemlock have consistently produced heavier than fuck, groove oriented metal through the years. And their latest release through Blind Prophecy Records No Time For Sorrow is certainly no exception. It seems as though the band has gone out of their way to continually integrate new genres and sounds into their own brand of thrash.
Mixing large quantities of gang vocals, hardcore breakdowns, death metal blasts, a little sludge and mid-paced thrash with subtle melodic elements Hemlock have unleashed a hellish beast upon the land. This album is not only heavy, it’s loads of fun to listen to — plain and simple. Front man Chad Smith’s infectious vocals are catchy and brutal while retaining an honesty to them that’s refreshing. This is not one of those albums that you simply sit back and relax to. Get the fuck up and destroy something.
World of The Transparent
No Time for Sorrow‘s opening track starts off with a memorable riff and groove combination. The vocals are aggressive, raw and powerful, yet allow for a flowing groove during the chorus. Smith’s range flies from low guttural growls to higher pitches screams. The breakdown toward the end is pretty damned beefy.
Red Sky Revolution
“Red Sky Revolution” starts off with Smith’s vocals, a thick bass and groove fueled riffs. Man, so far this album rocks pretty damned hard. The chorus on this one is catchy as hell and incorporates gange vocals nicely. Just after the one minute mark the band briefly picks up the pace to breakneck speeds before settling into a crushing groove. The melodic lead around the 2:20 mark before another bout of thrashing is a welcome highlight.
No Time For Sorrow
The title track starts off with some catchy guitar work before the vocals and beefy mosh jump into the fray. Again, these guys seem to generate a great flow even when destroying worlds with huge riffs and blasts of thrash goodness. The breakdown around the 1:50 mark will have you ripping vertebral connective tissue with a quickness.
Bugs
Earth rattling rhythms and riffing greet the listener at the onset of “Bugs.” Smith hits much deeper guttural vocals through this one with great effect. Get ready for the mosh at the 1:50 mark.
Backstabber
I’d hate to be the subject of the lyrics to this song. Nevermind the crushing riffs and pounding drums, the lyrics enough may be enough for revenge by themselves. This things carries with it some aggressive guitar work and vocal delivery.
What You Don’t Know
Catchy riffing gets the flow going with “What You Don’t Know” as quick vocals from Smith join in. This one’s got a nice tempo to it as it jumps from riff to riff.
And The Friendship Corrodes
Lung collapsing drum work dominates this one throughout. This one has a much darker feel to it, especially when Smith’s guttural growls really get going.
The Reason
Thundering drums, aggressive vocals and shredding guitars get this one going quickly. The chorus showcases Smith’s range as he hits higher notes on a couple of screeches. There’s also a beefy breakdown just after the one minute mark that you can’t miss.
To Submerge Another
Sludgy riffs and a great guitar lead start off “To Submerge Another” right before guttural vocals and more sludge is dumped into the production. This one has a thick sound to it. The “cleanly” sung vocals are a nice touch to help break up the vocal delivery some. I’m diggin’ the vocal delivery and timed blasts at the end of this one.
Beautality
Oh, hell yeah! Now this is what I’m talking about. “Beautality” starts off violently strong and refuses to let up till it’s over. The vocals on this one are the most impressive by far on the album. This is a hell of a song. The Swedish death metal influenced riffs are great and used effectively with Smith’s screams.
Product of Chance
Galloping and crushing riffs accompany bone shattering rhythms as the vocals arise from the bellows of hell as “Product of Chance” opens up. Another great groove flows like blood through this one.
Vultures and Ventriloquists
The closing track on the album is an up-tempo beast of a track. Smith stretches his vocal chords hitting high notes and guttural growls seamlessly as the rest of the band piles riff on top of riff. This is a strong track to end on — it certainly leaves a lasting impression in the listeners head once the disc is complete.
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Hemlock’s worth ethic isn’t the only thing impressing the band’s fans. Their fluid blend of thrash, sludge and melodic elements really make them a force to be reckoned with on No Time for Sorrow. It’s a fully engaging and entertaining album that just about any metal fan should be throwing the horns to.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them
Additional Notes:
N/A