2007-03-05
Stoner metal doesn’t have to be created in the US, it seems that an Italian band with a Danish vocalist can do it just as good, just as dirty, and just as stoned. Allhelluja are a fine example that this filthy and sleazy sounding genre can be made in Europe as well.
Beginning in 2003, the outfit's debut – "Inferno Museum" – was released in 2005, the first to feature Danish vocalist Jacob Bredhal, mainly known for his neo-thrash band
Hatesphere. Here he sounds quite different, though some of his famed screams and growls make an appearance occasionally, here he's got a gruffy clean vocal delivery, and he does a very good job at it, sounding quite a lot like
Soilwork's Speed Strid at times.
"Are You Ready" slips its dirty paws in your ears without any preliminary action, it's dirty yet well produced, with some crunchy guitar riffs, great for those who like the likes of Kyuss and even
Queens Of The Stone Age. Track two bears the colorful name "Superhero Motherfucker Superman", and is a groovier and meatier track with the usual strong performance by Bredhal.
Another strong cut is "I'm Not The One", I have to say the guitar sound is one of the best things here, this is purely 70's amp-only distortion, just the right sound for this kind of music. Some punk attitude is displaced in "Big Money, Sweet Money", which combines the southern rock N' Roll vibe with some naughtier speed, but man, clean - it ain't.
One thing about this album, it doesn’t let you off too easily with any soft melodies, if you expect some leniency in the band's harsh musical delivery, it isn’t there. That may put off some listeners, but for those with a hankering for low down, dirty rock N' Roll, this does the job. It's a dirty job, and these guys do it.
Alon Miasnikov
