Hellsaw
Cold
Napalm Records
Street: 04.09
Hellsaw = (Vulcano-era) Satyricon + Corpus Christii
Let’s set aside the immediate and obvious joke about fetching the “Hellsaw” from the same “hell-toolbox” as the “Hellhammer,” and begin the review of this Austrian black metal horde’s third release. Intricately instrumented and surprisingly sensitive in its acoustic and instrumental interludes, when Hellsaw’s songs take the reins, they rarely move past a mid-paced gallop. Likely too controlled and audible for most black-metal trolls (myself included), and not quite melodic enough to satisfy the Dimmu Borgir/power-metal fandom crowd, Hellsaw find themselves performing adequate and interesting black metal in a no-man’s land. Hellsaw should be enthusiastically received by fans of Khold, later Satyricon, Dodheimsgard and other Nordic acts that have proven “rock” is not incompatible with black metal. –Ben West

Hermas Zopoula
Espoir/Live In Ouagadougou
Asthmatic Kitty
Street: 05.19
Hermas Zopoula = Bob Marley + Seu Jorge + King Sunny Ade
Ah, the soothing sounds of a consistently upbeat island jam. There's no sound that puts me at ease better than a passionate mix of steel drum samples, sweet-sounding female backup vocals, a strumming guitar, and a soft voice on Autotune. Alright, not really. These things do, unfortunately, make me torn on my overall opinion of Hermas Zopoula's two-disc release, the first of his to go international. The first disc includes songs that were recorded in a government studio in Burkina Faso, West Africa. It certainly shows potential, but the barrage of effects and samples just make it too complicated and borderline irritating. The second disc, on the other hand, consists purely of Hermas Zopoula, his guitar, and the ambient sounds of his backyard. It provided a much more intimate listen than the other disc, and is significantly more enjoyable and accessible. Check it out if you dig at least two of the guys mentioned in the equation. –Ross Solomon

The Hold Steady
A Positive Rage
Vagrant
Street 04.09
The Hold Steady = the Replacements + Soul Asylum + Cheap Trick
So much of the Hold Steady’s existence is tied to their live show. As such, this live CD/DVD combo makes a lot of sense. This disc was recorded over three years ago, just as the 5-piece New York-via-Minneapolis-via-Ybor City band was about to release their seminal album, Boys and Girls in America. That album’s release would bring real success to the band. Now, just a short time later, they are favorites of both music fans and critics alike. These 16 songs are culled mostly from that album, with a handful of earlier (and future) tunes working their way into the set list as well. Overall, it is a fantastic album. Grown-up songs written and performed by men who are miles away from the glitter and insincerity that taints most indie rock. Music as it was meant to be heard—loud, succinct, and accompanied by the roar of happy fans. –James Bennett

In Memorium
Lost to Antiquity
Moribund Records
Release: 04.21
In Memorium = Marduk + Endstille
To be honest, had I not already known the band members of In Memorium are from various northwestern spots on our continent. I would have guessed Germany, based purely on how hateful this band manages to sound. Although In Memorium is a five-piece, Lost to Antiquity comes off as sounding much fuller than that without overwhelming the listener with unnecessary noodling or symphonic additions that could easily steer things into boring land. The production might be a little clean for its own good, but this doesn’t take too much of a toll on the overall experience. There’s even a double-take moment on the track “The Awakening,” which has a heavy groove riff, like something straight from a Pantera album … but in black metal form, of course. I have a feeling this band is much better live, but this isn’t a bad disc at all. –Conor Dow