Author: Rok Klemše
Artist: One Out Of Hell
Released: 2007
They come straight out of hell! Well, okay, Slovenska Bistrica, and they’re a brand-new band that formed in December 2006 from an idea by Slovenia’s Dean guitar guru Mike Pipenbaher and drummer Simon. They say they want pure energy, no philosophizing, but with a direct message, raw power and music with no bullshit. So let’s see if they’ve actually delivered on their words.
The promo disc brings three tracks and a video for the title song, One Out of Hell. One Out of Hell play modern-sounding groove metal that recalls a mix of Pantera and the groovier side of Machine Head, but the guys put those influences to good use rather than resorting to cheap copying. Still, Mike’s playing carries a big, clearly audible influence from the legend Dimebag Darrell, who died tragically too soon. Mike reminds us of Dimebag nicely with his inspired riffs and solos. You can hear it loud and clear in the opener One Out of Hell, whose main riff in particular recalls the golden years of Pantera, and Swed’s outstanding vocals add a huge amount on top. You won’t easily find singing this good, with real balls, around here, and it doesn’t take long before Swed also brings to mind the great Phil Anselmo (Pantera again), which can only and solely be praise. Aggressive and powerful! The rhythm section works well together too, and Simon in particular knows how to kill with a few truly excellent fills.
All three tracks One Out of Hell serve up are varied and dynamic enough to stick in your memory easily. You get everything from the killer groove thrash wrecker One Out of Hell, which gives your neck muscles a proper workout and has you catching flies as you whip your hair around, while Mike shows off his skills with a solid solo. Swed sings so damn aggressively that you’d love to jump into a mosh pit or smash up some unsuspecting piece of furniture. Spoils of War is an excellent, more modern-leaning mid-tempo track, again with a great vocal performance and an almost southern metal vibe. The only minor letdown is the thrashy closer Fuck You, with a chorus that doesn’t quite land. As a bonus, there’s also a professionally shot video waiting for you at the end, directed by Perica (D-Fact), for the song One Out of Hell.
One Out of Hell are a fresh breeze on the Slovenian metal scene. Judging by what we’ve heard and seen (even the promo CD was made extremely professionally, with a polished look), the guys have nothing to fear about a bright future. With excellent, listenable and infectious groove metal, they’ve found a niche on the Slovenian scene, among many great thrash metal bands, that they’ll easily rule with work like this. You can hear One Out of Hell at http://www.myspace.com/oneoutofhell
Line-up
Simon – drums
Marty – bass guitar
Swed – vocals
Mike – guitar
Production
One Out of Hell
Track list
1. One Out of Hell
2. Spoils of War
3. Fuck You
+ video for One Out of Hell
