When Dom ‘Death Metal’ Daley sent me the promo over to review the Wulfskol/Hexella album that has been split between both bands, I assumed they were from deepest, darkest Europe. Their publicity shots make them look like a cross between Venom and your dad’s mate Dave from down the pub (wearing leather and studs obviously). Turns out that both bands are from the USA and they are pretty darn good at what they do.

I’ve stated before that my limit in heaviness stops at bands like Pantera, Death, and maybe a little bit of Obituary. I was never a big fan of the death grunt vocal style but being a drummer, I was into guys like Gene Hoglan and Sean Reinert for their sheer intensity and superb technique. This album features five tracks from both bands with each throwing in a cover version (Wulfskol do a good version of Slayer’s – ‘Evil Has No Boundaries’ and Hexella throw in Bathory’s – You Don’t Move Me (I Don’t Give a Fuck). The production values for both bands is muddy and unclear, I think this adds to the charm though and even though I’m struggling after a few songs I can hear that both bands are more than capable.

Wulfskol kick the album off with ‘Deliver Us to Evil’ which gives more than a nod to hardcore punk in its delivery. ‘Violator’ is a more mid paced affair with some lovely playing from drummer Hector. It slows right down to doom pace before dying off with some soloing from guitarist Zike. ‘Demon Lust’ has a Danzig feel to the music, just imagine Danzig with John Tardy from Obituary on vocals and you’ll be in the right ballpark.

Hexella kick off the second half of the album with the extremely noisy ‘Midnight’s on Fire’ A full-on metal intro with horses, wolves, and thunder (Bad News spring to mind?) makes way for screams and extreme riffage. Next track ‘Weapon’ is another assault on your ear drums with blast beats a plenty. By the time I get to the next track ‘Derramando Sangre’ my head is a bit fried lol. As I mentioned earlier, I’m no death metal aficionado but I really do appreciate how talented you must be to write and play this stuff. Both cover versions are executed well, and they fit right in.

If your favourite flavour is HEAVY then this album will be right up your street. Burn with Us is available now via Goat Throne Records. Buy Here