Hell:Sector - The Rise of the Apocalypse

Ah, Norway. Home to so many extreme bands with throwbacks to lots of evil scriptures and gore porn. I would be disappointed if one day that should falter, but, thankfully, Hell:Sector is here to keep that trend ongoing. Heavy, assaulting rhythms sometimes paired with guitar, sometimes not along with slaughtering vocals have made up a terrific EP that released earlier this year.

The EP title's is The Rise of the Apocalypse, and consists of six tracks demonstrating this act's rugged musical torment that plagues the Earth to a joyous result. God Saves just completely bolsters this reputation ramming a harsh scream straight down your throat from the get-go. The harsh electronics presented alongside nice guitar work made for an evil sounding, but severely good intro track.

I'm not sure if this act was trying to go for a much more angry approach to their music with Hanover Skyline, but it most definitely worked out that way. The vocals just sound angrier in some way or the next, and I was having an absolute blast working my way through this album.

Nether Void had more of an electro-rock feel to it, with a focus on driving guitars and drums under the electronic vibe. Tzolk'in continued with that electro-vibe, and the growling within it became more keen to that of metal. Put that in with all that already sounds pretty hardcore as it is, and you have another track to just enjoy.

Blood Groto used some choral samples with a slowed down pace to further their work. I think in this track, perhaps it would have better been served if the vox effects toned down a bit; the beat just simply did not fit the harshness of the chords. However, it was still certainly enjoyable.

The final track went straight through with more powerful electronic work and angry, hate-filled screams. There are many ways to leave a listener off with an album, and this guy sent me off nicely.

Now, I was worried when I went into this act; the name of the act alone sort of sounded childish to me, and the title of the EP wasn't all too thrilling, either. However, this act proved the age-old statement of, "Never judge a book by its cover." A very surprising hit to say the least, I'm certain Hell:Sector will soon enough gain a good following, and the respect the act deserves for creating such quality music. Jul 04 2014