THRASH METAL
SWEDEN

Released 23rd of October, 2026

Not too long ago, I reviewed the lead up single for this album back in August and, to be frank, there really isn’t much more to add about the album… So I’m going to cheat and just retcon that review with the odd addendum.

The people of Sweden have still got this music thing totally sussed out, haven’t they, and it is most pertinent when debating metal music. These five horsemen that make up HOSTILIA are back once again with a new album, titled THE CURSE OF KHARMUN, and after just one year since their FACE THE FIRE debut album, they have a lot to get off their chests.

Like then, we are lambasted with a bombastic barrage of old school thrash metal with no tricks or twists. Brimming with attitude and eager enthusiasm, the whole album offers nothing more than pure thrash, played hard, fast, fun and with virtuosity.
Precise, cohesively structured songs with the slickest solos and some of the tightest, fluid drumming you expect from the old guard… it’s all present and correct.

From the get go, from LOST IN THE VOID to the LIGHTNING WARFARE, the classic thrash of those formative years are honoured. Much like the brood of NWOTHM, HOSTILIA takes what they need to deliver what we want.
Between those aforementioned tracks lies a vein of acidic music. NO MERCY FOR THE WEAK and ESCAPE FROM HELL offers Testament groove. Elsewhere, the title track and the instrumental ENCHANTER OF THE SEA, by the titles alone, allow HOSTILIA to proudly stamp inspirational credit to Iron Maiden, albeit with some gnarly bite.

There is no shame in brazenly harking to your heroes, and HOSTILIA have done so with confidence. By blending the original ideals with a younger hunger, THE CURSE OF KHARMUN makes for a blitzkrieg of an album.

THE CURSE OF KHARMUN is out now and available through Hammerheart Records on their Bandcamp (HERE).

Also available to stream from major services