Helltown - Lead To Hell

After a long drought, Brazil's metal scene has come alive in the past few years—a drastic rebirth that includes such bands as Claustrofobia, Syren, Korzus, Andralls, Torture Squad, Drowned, Terrorstorm, Chaosfear, Ungodly, Hicsos, and the almighty Scars, all either risen from the ashes or simply now shining under the ever-brightening spotlight. Helltown is among this New Wave of Brazilian Heavy Metal. Their roots go back to 1996 and a short-lived band called Blood Course. A reunion of sorts would happen five years later in a cover band called WTC,a band that would lay the foundation for what would become Helltown. After finding a few more members to complete the line-up, the band released their first demo in 2003. In 2005, after a few more line-up shifts, the band began recording their debut full-length. The result was Lead To Hell, released in 2006.

For a young band, Lead To Hell is a damn good debut album; it plays like a high quality demo, and sounds like it could be an early demo from the great and currently missing-in-action Sinergy. Helltown play traditional heavy metal with female lead vocals and the occasional male vocal harmony. Symone Syann does a very good job on vocals for the most part; but occasionally she can sound a bit too reserved, like a little more power—which she is capable of—was needed to reach that optimum vocal level. Musically the band handles business with ease, offering great musicianship and songwriting for most of the album. The production is a little weak and the tones on the record are a little too thin and subdued; the guitars need a little more depth and crunch, while the drums and bass could be a bit thicker, adding a more solid foundation. But those things aside, Lead To Hell is still a commendable effort.

"Run For Action" starts things off and pretty much sets the standard—traditional metal fare, solid songwriting, and a great chorus. "Wanted" and "Breaking The Time" follow suit in similar fashion. "Alone In The Night" is something of a dark, mid-paced rocker with a great chorus. "Lead To Hell" and "Flames Of Fate" are two more highlights with outstanding hooks. The album dips a bit toward the end with "Forever A Rebel" and "Reach The Highest Mountain." Both are decent songs but lack a necessary hook to really grab the listener. "In The Heart Of The Storm" suffers the same problem, but to a lesser extent; this one with a riff taken right out of Metallica's "No Remorse" and a great mid-section and solo, and some outstanding bass runs (albeit short ones).

Helltown doesn't manage to break new ground with Lead To Hell, but they rest upon a solid foundation. They play a style we've heard before, but they do it well enough to warrant a listen. For a debut, Lead To Hell is a very worth release. There are some things that need to be worked on—production, strengthening the vocals, and more memorable melodies—things that should be corrected by the time they think to release a sophomore album—but Lead To Hell is a solid debut, and a very enjoyable listen.

Note: This review was written in 2006. Since then, the band has gone through some member changes; most notably new lead singer Kell Hell.

Video: Run For Action, Alone In The Night

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/helltownmetal

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