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November 2024

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August 2024

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Paincraze: Hellbound

Heavy/Thrash Metal

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Independent/Self-promotion
www.paincraze.com
www.myspace.com/paincraze
Review: Craig Hartranft,  10.14.2009

If you caught my review of the latest offering from Twinspirits, then you may recognize Paincraze lead vocalist Goran Nystrom. But don't expect progressive power metal from Nystrom and Paincraze. No, their debut disc, Hellbound is pure heavy metal metal with strong thrash elements that could easily put them along side early Metallica or even Annihilator. But this comes as no surprise as Nystrom and other members count those legends as influences. I might even add that there is little organized Motorhead assertiveness on a song like Napalm. It's all good as Hellbound is a powerful album that displays, once again, that the old school is relevant and still kicking ass today.

Paincraze work their metal magic with deft creativity. Barreling along like a runaway steam, songs like Black Day, No More, and Hurt rush full speed with strong riffs, massive rumbling bass lines, and some clever melodic hooks within this granite-like heaviness. On the aforementioned No More and the later So Be It alludes to some modern metal nuances by concocting a song based on strong riffs (and throwing in a few growls for flavor). Adding well-directed energy, ambitious and stinging guitar solos enliven every song with highlights on I'm Grateful, No More, and Napalm. Indeed, for lovers of the real deal and all things true metal, Hellbound is a kickass album from Paincraze.

For lovers of the real deal, Hellbound is a kickass album metal from Paincraze.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]