Hatchet-Awaiting Evil
Metal Blade
2008

The past couple years have brought about a throwback in the world of metal. Bands have been bringing back the old sounds like thrash, speed metal, etc. Granted, a case could be made that these styles never quite went away, but it seems like some have become again more popular recently.

Hatchet seem to be one of these throwback bands. They remind me of a mixture between older Slayer and much older Metallica. They have the guitar skills to fill their songs with intricate solos and creative riffs, and they use those skills wisely. The guitarwork is the best part of the album, with the drumming (especially the double bass and the tight 16th note fills) coming in at a close second. The vocals are decent, but nothing mindblowing. The music as a whole is tight recommended for people who wish that the early 80s and the beginning of metal never ended.

Written by: RF
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