Hellish Hunt
Rating: 9
Review by: Jim Harrison
Grymheart is set to release their debut album, Hellish Hunt on September 22, 2023 through Scarlet Records. Formed in 2020 and hailing from Budapest, Hungary this quartet brings a mix of folk metal harmonies and melodic death metal giving the listener a massive sound.
Vocalists and guitarist Gabriel Blacksmith has a distinct voice that really gives this band their own sound. Bassist Dargor Rivgahr pulling in the listener with killer base lines; drummer, Sorin Nalaar whose drumbeats keep the heart pumping and guitarist, V’arhel whose talented riffs and creativity keeps the listener engaged. This is an exciting tight knit unit that will appeal to all metal fans.
The album art was created by Gyula Havencsák who has done art for Burning Witches, Accept and Stratovarious. The album begins with a short instrumental “The Twilight is Coming” with a classical, folky guitar riff and rips into track two “Hellbent Horde” which is fast and furious. It’s melodic but Blacksmiths vocals give it that evil, death metal sound. This is one of two of my favourite tracks on the album. “Ignis Fatuus” has a classical folk guitar start and again the song rips into a killer riff. This is a melodic metal track with death metal and clearer vocals giving this track a PowerWolf sound and would be awesome live.
“To Die By The Succubus” is the first single release and video. This is my second favourite track, the drums and guitars are fantastic. The video is well done and this is a great teaser for the album. The band is in hoods, lots of great imagery and vocalist Blacksmith has a Tom G, Warrior from Celtic Frost look and sound about him, what a cool track.
“My Hellish Hunt” captures the essence of the band lending itself to a demon/monster hunters vibe reminiscent of The Witcher or Van Helsing movies.
Heading into just over half the album, “Army of the Graves“ starts slower but turns into a faster melodic track with a killer chorus. Track “ Everlost“ has more of a death metal vibe to it and so does “Fennirs Sons” both tracks remind me of Children of Bodom.
“Facing the Kraken” is the fastest song on the album and the drums and bass just pound. I love the title and this song is another example of the essence and imagery of this band.
“Harpies of Devil” has the double kick drum, massive guitar riffs and the vocals just light it up.
The last track “Monsters Among Us” has a huge sound finishing this album on a high, actually leaving you wanting more. The heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums and bass mixed with superb vocals puts the listener over the edge. Slowing with classical guitar midway than blowing it up again, it seems the band incorporated everything in the arsenal to finish this off in style. This will be another great live track.
I am always excited when I have the privilege to review a debut album and I am in the witness of something special with this band.
I predict Grymheart will become a leader In this genre, bringing something for all metal fans. Their musicianship, writing, vocals and subject matter are tight and creative setting them apart from other bands.
I recommend this album.
Gabriel Blacksmith: vocals, guitar
V’arhel: guitar
Dargor Rivgahr: bass
Sorin Nalaar: drums