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Some albums come with a bold mission statement. Some claim to change the face of their scene. Some claim to blow all expectations out of the water. Hellyeah's newest record 'Band of Brothers'? Well, it's said to "take the rock world by the balls and twist." Ouch.
The band said from the outset that this record would be more metal-oriented than their previous releases, and that's clear from the offset. Having said that, on a first listen there's little that stands out other than the fact it its notably more metal-inclined compared to their previous work. Though Chad seamlessly tackles aggressive roars or snarls and clean vocals alike, the overall musicality is at times repetitive and in turn causes many songs to mash together.
This is just initially. As with all releases, more time will cause more little flaunts to rear their heads that you'd missed. 'War In Me' is explosive, kicking off proceedings with a sinfully good grooves. 'Between You And Nowhere' is a hat tip back to their more southern rock feel, which has - for the most part - been abandoned for this release in pursuit of a more assaulting punt. 'Dig Myself A Hole' possesses a shrieking guitar flaunt that, after numerous listens, still stands out. Just a fleeting quirk that's caught my attention, though no one else will probably care. The chorus is more anthemic than most, if metal tracks can possess an anthemic quality. Catchy and easy to grasp, it proves another highlight because it's not difficult to find yourself getting into.
'Drink Drank Drunk' is a stand out track. With its mammoth riff and gruff vocals, the attacking feel just draws the listener in. Lyrically it doesn't seem overly complicated, especially in the chorus which repeats the title in its midst, but that means it's not difficult to grasp. "Let's get fucked up, 'til we fall down..."
Some will like this, some inevitably won't. There are hat tips to their past sounds, but the overwhelming notion is that this is a real jaunt back to their previous work with Pantera, Mudvayne and DamagePlan, to name but some. This is where their real successes lie - in their hard rock past, and it's time that they've embraced it as Hellyeah.
'Band Of Brothers' feels symbolic. Though they themselves are tight knit and feel like a band of brothers, this personal unity is demonstrated brilliantly in the music. They've found a real sound, the sound many have possibly been waiting for considering their past work. Admittedly, this proved a slow burner on a first listen, but after a few rounds it really does become far better, but it's not perfect. At present, the album still feels too repetitive at points, but this is definitely a diamond in the rough. Perhaps, it could have used just a bit more polishing.
Hellyeah's 'Band Of Brothers' is available now via Seven Eleven Music.
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The band said from the outset that this record would be more metal-oriented than their previous releases, and that's clear from the offset. Having said that, on a first listen there's little that stands out other than the fact it its notably more metal-inclined compared to their previous work. Though Chad seamlessly tackles aggressive roars or snarls and clean vocals alike, the overall musicality is at times repetitive and in turn causes many songs to mash together.
