Register Forgot login?

© 2002-2024
Encyclopaedia Metallum

Privacy Policy

Hellhound > Nothing Left > Reviews > CHAIRTHROWER
Hellhound - Nothing Left

Rampage, Cerberus Style - 85%

CHAIRTHROWER, December 4th, 2017
Written based on this version: 2016, CD, Stormspell Records (Limited edition, Dark Lore Series)

After close to four decades of arduous task-mastering and dedication, Sunnyvale, California’s Hellhound finally unleashed Nothing Left - its first legit full-length following a smattering of demos and compilations - last year under Stormspell Records. Limited to 500 CD copies and comprised of nine Hadean, throttling thrashers, it also includes a special 3D holographic insert sure to keep the kiddies up at night. Fronted by no other than heavy metal journeyman Joe Lizst and featuring longtime hounds Rich and Steve Pelletier on bass and drums as well as fellow axmen Robert Edwards and Rob Kolowitz, Nothing Left will surely appeal to fans of USPM and concordant Lizst projects as the volatile, buzzing musicianship also incorporates the raw battle-some vibes of the Rocka Rollas with the epic valor and tenacity of the highly reputable Ancient Empire and Shadowkiller.

For the most part the album consists of unreleased material while a couple dust collectors return in full force as they strongly benefit from the stout level of production. The rambunctious pre-1990 Megadeth sounding “Killing Spree” fires on all cylinders once more thanks to its forceful, rapid-fire drums and slapdash yet ferocious bass line; the previously orotund “Beyond Time and Space” has evolved from runt of the litter to definite “alpha” this time around. Tearing through the gate this unholy pack sows terror from the get-go with a couple of speedy rousers in “Red Sun Black Sand” and “The Bleeding Edge”. The former kicks off with a harried tremolo guitar riff supported by a battery which mashes the crap out of its equipment like it’s looking to collect on an insurance policy. It’s soon reined in by Lizst’s concise vocals, which affect a powerful albeit focused urgency; if anything, they’re gruffer and less storied than with AE and Shadowkiller but more poignant than with the Rocka Rollas. My preferred track is likely “The Bleeding Edge” as it’s imbued with a cliff-hanging ambiance and gripping finality – the incremental riffing, bass line and drumming soon gives way to a harrowing kick-ass chorus followed by a direct and outright monstrous instrumental section which makes me feel like a bull seeing red. An evil twirler of a solo paves the way for Rich’s turkey gobbling bass solo before yet another gluttonous and guttural bass line introduces “Circle of Trust”, a furious triplet based/ blast beat infused brow beater sure to instill its fair share of growling returns.

Actually, as much as I dig the rampant guitar riffs and combustive leads, Nothing Left’s success can be largely attributed to the spectacular, unyielding rhythm section. Personally, I prefer the aforementioned Stormspell ventures - notably for the guitars, vocals and lyrics – but as an aspiring bassist, credit must be given to Rich for his innovation and all-around stellar performance. Although he sometimes fills an auxiliary role alongside Joe (i.e. as lyricist for AE), there’s no question he’s “top dog” within Hellhound's ranks thanks to his commanding presence. His brother Steve also deserves accolades; while he ascribes to a definite “thrash” velocity (especially on “The Needle Drips”), he still manages to mix his beats without getting redundant.

Other highlights include a “Wolf”ish (band and adjective, mind) lead break on “Hollow Faith” and the ancient, mystical aura of “Dark Discovery”, which feels like a bonus cut to Shadowkiller’s 2013 debut, Slaves of Egypt. The only fault I can think of is how every track adheres to a similar, linear tempo which detracts from the album’s replay ability. In other words, Nothing Left sounds great every now and then when in a rabble-rousing, mosh pit inducing mood but can also grate on the nerves after repeated listens. On the whole though, its Hellhound’s strongest offering by far. Just make sure to swiftly draw your hand back when presenting it with a bone lest it rabidly gets chomped off…

“Standing on the bleeding edge
The wizard takes those strong
Burning in the fire of time
Perhaps we burned too long
Dying in the face of God
A place we cannot keep
Charging headlong must too fast
No look before the leap!”