Release Date: October 18th 2024. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Format: DD/Vinyl
Welcome To Hell Valley - Track Listing:
1.Clean Slate 04:14
2.To Each His Own 04:00
3.Future Nomads 03:15
4.Easy Rider 08:03
5.Blameless 04:43
6.Send Me A Postcard 03:17
7.One O One 04:42
8.The Grind 05:39
9.Clean Slate 04:14
Review
Welcome To Hell Valley is the debut album from Grunge/Stoner Rockers Hell Valley High which sees the band adding a layer of Grunge, Fuzz and Desert Rock to their sound. The vibe is topped off by a vital Groove Rock energy which allows their music to be dominated by areas of Classic Rock at times without losing that Stoner Rock vitality. Inspired by the likes of Karma To Burn, FU MANCHU, Truckfighters and Monster Magnet, the band add their own spin on the Desert/Stoner Rock template.
Hell Valley High are made up of seasoned musicians from the Netherlands Hard Rock Scene with ex-members of Wildebeast, Filthy Felons, Note to Amy, Apehanger and Junkyard Safari within their ranks. The album has a determined aggressive and gritty feel which comes through the excellent vocals and fuzzed up guitars that is shown very early on the record through tracks such as: Clean Slate, To Each His Own and Future Nomads.
Four of the tracks (Blameless, Future Nomads, To Each His Own and The Grind) contained here appeared on Hell Valley High’s debut EP earlier this year but it’s good to see them included here in perhaps the way the band wanted to hear them. As they’re in a totally different order compared to their debut EP. Hell Valley High do operate with an Alternative Rock energy on the record with the lyrics having a sublime “Throwback” movement to them. With a stunning Classic Hard Rock drive appearing when Hell Valley High play some wicked instrumental passages along the way.
Some parts of the album can be too flashy at times but it’s a good feeling as you begin to feel what excellent musicians these guys really are. The sound never goes over the top with Hell Valley High playing superbly played Stoner Rock/Metal that would have gone down a storm back in the day. The record has a direct and forceful attitude at times especially when Hell Valley High plays a heavier and menacing slice of Grunge which brings out the seediness of the lyrics. The Alt Rock and Classic Hard Rock aspects that appear on the later stages of the record sees Hell Valley High more comfortable with their creative surroundings especially on tracks such as Easy Rider, Blameless, One O One and The Grind.
Welcome To Hell Valley offers a great journey into the Stoner Rock/Metal sounds of yesteryear but still offering a superb blast of modern day grooves with excellent production values to match. Italian Powerhouse label Argonauta Records are releasing this great album and I can see why they signed the band to their always impressive roster. Hell Valley HIgh are the real deal if you’re a big fan of classic sounding Stoner Rock. They have the songs to back up their talent which allows Welcome To HIgh Valley to be a great album in it’s own right.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.
Welcome To Hell Valley is available to buy now on DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records.
Links
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