Album Review- Bloody Hammers: Under Satan's Sun

Under Satan's Sun is the third album released by Gothic/Stoner/Doom metallers Bloody Hammers and was released on June 10th, 2014. These guys i heard about when i was searching through some of the new metal releases of the month June. I was interested because of the vinyl looking cover noting that these guys could be one of those "retro" bands in the wave of the 70s revival bands popping up today Which i love. These guys are a bit of a different breed than alot of bands such as Orchid or Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats though and this album definitely shows it.

Track Rundown

1.The Town That Dreaded Sundown- Beginning with an eerie sound clip, this song begins with a groove that soaks of Sabbath. I really like how all the instruments sound on this track and for how dirty it sounds. Anders Manga's vocals sound really smooth and have that Southern Gothic  undertone that makes it sound even heavier. I really like where the track speeds up as well to a more head banging tempo. The subtle piano in the back adds just another layer to this great song. one of the best openers of the year and i would love to see this in the remake of the film of the same name.

2.Spearfinger- I really like the riff to this song it is very fuzzy and heavy. It seems like a track that would sound great live as well with a stronger than hell chorus. The bass has a really strong presence as well adding a hell of alot more low end. Devallia has a real cool organ effect sound here as well. another great track.

3.Death Does Us Part- This track is a bit quieter but packs a very dark atmosphere and is almost like a ballad but it isn't. It has a bit of that southern rock tinge to it and is a nice change of pace for the album. It also has a more modern rock kind of sound to it as well with alot of the Doom and Stoner aspects kind of drawn back. The chorus is very good and creepy as well It's not the best but it's interesting to say the least.

4.Moon-Eyed People- This track goes back to that heavy style but i would have like the riff to be a bit slower it feels like they are going a bit too fast on this one. I do like it however it still retains that really heavy fuzzed out guitar that sounds like it is played through an Ampeg bass head. It doesn't necessarily have the charm of the first three tracks but is not bad in the least.

5.Second Coming- The sound clip at the beginning i like (even though i don't know where it's from) but the song has a more psychedelic approach with Anders' bass getting a weird effect put on it. The riff is not amazing to me with this being one of the more weak tracks. The vocals are the strongest aspect as well are the drums with the marching band like approach in some segments.

6.Welcome To The Horror Show- The keys really get to shine more here beginning beautifully leading into an all out gothic rock tune that Peter Steele would surely be proud of. I like the crooning vocals and the pre-chorus is actually really catchy. It's a song that reminds of a graveyard at 3 am with fog rolling over the tombstones. A really dark and uncomfortable yet beautiful atmosphere is accomplished by this song and it still remains a standout i like the solo too. However the solo's on this record seem to be dug back too far to be fully appreciated. Stellar song for any Halloween party.

7.Under Satan's Sun- I like that the bass gets to open this song and the guitar comes in with a cool riff and solo then comes back at second verse and through the chorus. I like songs that structured like this it's more enjoyable to listen to. The chorus is another really strong one that would sound great live. Another standout track for me.

8.Dead Man's Shadow On The Wall- A faster track that retains its heaviness= I like alot. This is probably the most metal song on the record and almost has a Godsmack sound in the guitar structures. The vocals are my favorite part of this song and sound just so heavy and evil. Heaviest track easily on the record.

9.The Last Alarm- This track starts almost sounding like a weird demented 60's psychedelic pop song. They did a bit more experimentation on this track which i wouldn't recommend to the casual listener unless you were looking for that total right turn into a demented forest. It's not bad at all but it is a sound that is alot more bizarre when paired with the other songs on this album.

10.Necromancer- The creepiness at the beginning is very real and then a real heavy riff hits you as if satan's house band was jamming right in your face. They really made this closer count with the stoner metal vibes very present and the guitar riffs just oozing out. Indeed this is a good closer and leaves me wanting more of this gothic horror tinged stoner rock or metal whichever you prefer.

Overall, i give this album about a 7.5 to an 8. It really is an enjoyable record and is similar yet very different from their past two releases with more of a gothic and other experimental tones explored here. These guys to me are like America's answer to Ghost B.C yet pull back the more pop elements. The vocals are the best thing about this record and i give Anders' the unofficial nickname as "The Heavy Metal  Svengoolie". Seriously though check this record out and this band as a whole as this a great release to get you in the mood for October.