Hutch checks out the latest release from a band that have been around for a long time, here’s what he thinks….

Is this one of those reviews where you feel that a bit of a history lesson is needed to introduce the band you are describing? It probably is, for Hellwitch have some history as well as a ferocious style that takes some getting used to. 

Initially formed in 1984, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the band were active until 1998 before reforming in 2004. Their discography is patchy at best, with as many compilations as albums. Indeed, Hellwitch have two releases to their name prior to this forthcoming record, namely 1990’s Syzgial Miscreancy and 2009’s Omnipotent Convocation. Current line-up comprises original members Pat Ranieri (guitar and vocals) and guitarist J.P Brown alongside drummer Brian Wilson, who has a veritable who’s who of former and current employers. 

If you are aware of the band, then this album may be something of a return to form. Ranieri’s vocals are something of an acquired taste, a cross between Martin Walkyier (Sabbat), Chuck Schuldiner and Agent Steel frontman John Cyriis. The music is described as technical thrash, and that fits with the offering here, with the technicality on offer only matched by the incredible pace at which Hellwitch thunder along. Ranieri’s high-pitched screams and phenomenally intense shredding combined with the power of his bandmates combine into one relentless and demanding album. 

At times, it’s almost uncontrollable. Schizophrenic time signatures that race all over the place like an out-of-control racehorse, patterns that rarely follow the same direction for more than a few moments and some challenging, yet compelling vocals make Annihilational Intercention a somewhat bemusing yet strangely endearing release. Pronouncing the somewhat complex song titles is the first challenge and begins with the album title. It opens with the bizarre Solipsistic Immortality, which builds from Sci-Fi atmosphere to ferociously fast thrash metal in seconds. It’s the sheer unexpectedness, not to mention the jagged and angular delivery that make this an album that is worthy of your time. 

But I can also clearly see why this is a divisive release. At times the music is almost impenetrable, the music scattered, disjointed’ feral. Yes, the comparison with Death is inevitable and perhaps reasonable. Drawing influences from one of the greatest metal bands of all time isn’t the worst crime in history, after all. 

Each track follows a similar pattern, yet also throws in curved balls at regular opportunities. The demonic Delegated Disruption shimmers with an evil malevolence, the track Hellwitch explodes in a fireball of aural abuse, galloping riffs, punishing double kicks, and a frenetic tempo, whilst the seven-minute Anthropophagi, and ode to cannibalism no less, is the biggest conundrum, flicking from punishing fire to a slower paced segment which allows the pace to rebuild. It’s the most carefully constructed track here, almost Maiden-like in places, albeit with a much different singing style. 

Savagely brutal, blisteringly fast to the point of challenge, this is an album that will either find favour immediately or have you pushing the off switch immediately. It’s a dare that is well worth taking, although I can’t guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

Annihilational Intercention, will be released digitally on June 2, and physically on June 30 via Listenable Records