ALBUM REVIEW: Bonehunter – Dark Blood Reincarnation System

Finnish Blackened Speed Metal maniacs BONEHUNTER are back with their 4th album of Cyberdelic Metalpunk! Set for release via Hells Headbangers Records on August 20th.

The sci-fi samples that start off the record do so in a way that is telling of what lies ahead, something strange and creepy but also eerily familiar, turn back now if you are opposed to total mayhem. Pummelling into life with a joyously fearsome array of pure Speed Metal riffing and hard-hitting drum assaults, Bonehunter are come in with full force as the malevolent vocals join the punk-tinged inferno of Heavy Metal carnage. The instantaneous anthemic side of the music gives it that NWOBHM style memorability that will ensure live shows are totally insane while the record gets stuck in the skull, demanding repeated listens. A lot can be said about a band who get right down to business so quickly, no pretentiousness nor gimmick, just total fury. Bonehunter is the real deal, as we see in the first few songs they are back on top form and not taking prisoners. The venomous energy is so intact, this trio of Finnish lunatics convey pure Blackened Speed Metal fire without remorse in a manner that will captivate or destroy you.

Forging forth, the hammer of drums upon anvils of steel punctuates galloping bass lines and blazing guitars so grandiose effect, giving an instrumental unity that could only be conjured from the depths of hell. This could not be more appropriate to match the demonic vocals that spew vitriolic malice across the tempest of savagery. The Speed Metal side of the music is most prominent but those moments of Black Metal destruction seep in when needed to turn up the evil, though always present, not washing out the sharp feistiness of the record. There is definitely a traditional Heavy Metal feel to the bass-heavy mix and soaring guitar solos that only further prove how killer Bonehunter are, staying extreme but making sure Heavy Metal is the core of all they do (along with a healthy dose of punk). Conquering all in their path with marvellously catchy but totally diabolical songs, this album is a ripper from start to end with no weak link in the chains of steel. To craft such memorable music while keeping it totally old school is not an easy feat, but Bonehunter have managed once again to nail it.

Bonehunter are back, better than ever with their new delivery of devilry that will slaughter posers, call true maniacs to arms and summon ghouls with ease. This is a raging cut of Black-Speed Metal which simply cannot be missed. Blast this thing loud, be consumed by the flames and let the true Heavy Metal onslaught ensnare you with its might.