Hell Sweet Hell

What's this we have here? None other than Fear My Thoughts, yet another band that doesn't stand out in the midst of the current big trend in metal. Which is, of course, the fusion of metalcore and Gothenburg style death metal.

Now, I'm actually liking this a bit more than say, Deadlock, who's release for this year was a misguided, rehashed, and overall pathetic excuse for a full length release. After going through the intro track, the first song kicks in, and one may be reminded of Darkane. I didn't totally hate this. Alright, so that's cool. Still, we've got some rehashed Gothenburg riffs, then a breakdown of that riff, etc. The song structures are fairly cyclic, but the song wasn't meandering around trying to be experimental, which is a needed plus.

The second track comes in, and there's actually a fairly decent riff within the song. Alas, there's also some really bad and generic riffing too. Take note, open string breakdowns are not pleasurable. Sure, it may sound heavy because it's the lowest note on the guitar, but it makes for a feeble riff.

Still on the weak side, I'm finding that a lot of the choruses Fear My Thoughts produces are very... over done. There's that possibility of it being really catchy, but it turns out to be just really annoying.

The vocals on this release contain a decent range of higher screams and lower screams. They're not over the top or something to really rave about, but it fits with their style, so kudos. The drumming also fits with the style of this music. However, the drumming in this melodic death/metalcore style is fairly bland. Expect the same double kick beats to pop up quite often, especially during breakdowns.

Overall, the album is under-average; mediocre at best. No one's going to be talking about this band because they really have nothing new to offer. They do a decent job at playing their style, which is however unfortunate seeing as Fear My Thoughts plays a style that's been on a path leading to no where all of its existence. What this band needs is some more creative riffing, less synth, and to step up on the breakdowns, and maybe then could they get my attention.

Three albums and a MCD in, Fear My Thoughts have created their darkest, strongest album to date, though it's missing an important factor that may or may not deter diehards: The creepy movie samples aren't to be found here. Instead FMT give you 11 tracks of straight up Metal with an intro to kick it off.

In the early days, Fear My Thoughts were straight hardcore, then they turned into a Metalcore band, and then a Melodic Death Metal band, this album is strictly Melodic Death, the 'core' is all but gone with the exception of a mere few breakdowns and vocal bits. The guitar playing on this album is very exceptional, the leads are what they should be for Melodic Death: memorable and neat, and the riffs take a jackhammer approach, similar to what you'd hear in Darkane or Meshuggah. Like the guitars, Drumming has much improved too and sounds pummeling due to the really top-notch production. The vocals aren't as loud in the mix as they were on the last album, which is nice, as you have an easier time paying attention to the awesome guitar work. Fear My Thoughts guitarists work marvels on this album. The playing is filled with emotion and atmosphere with no wanking whatsoever!, Guitar purists should also know there's little in the way of solo's as always, though there are a few to be found.

Also added to the albums already great flair, are keyboards which haven't always been used a whole lot by Fear My Thoughts, but they're here and they sound great and add to the atmosphere the guitars have layed down. Also it must be noted that this album is extremely consistant, not one track of filler exists on it, though it must be said the album closer is a tad slower in place than the rest of the album.

Fear My Thoughts tend to get better with every release and 'Hell Sweet Hell' is not different, I'm going as far as to say it's the best work they've done so far. It's certainly their most "METAL" album thus far. I'll have to deduct a few points as the bands signature creepy movie samples aren't hear, and they're really fun to listen to. Go get this! It's awesome and a perfect example that German Metal is doing far more interesting things than Progressive and Power Metal these days.

Recomended Listening: 'Windows for the Dead' 'Sweetest Hell' 'Ghosts of Time' 'Satisfaction Guaranteed'