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Song

The Sword of Wrath

Artist

Hellbutcher

Hellbutcher backstory

This quintet’s origins lie back in 1990, when twin brothers Erik and Per Gustavsson formed Nifelheim and took the monikers Tyrant and Hellbutcher. Spikes and bulletbelts gleaming, the boys launched themselves into a black metal crusade, helping to define Swedish extreme metal in the process.

By 2022, it was all over, much to the dismay of old school headbangers and skullet aficionados.

But it didn’t take long for Per to get back in the black thrash game. The vocalist formed his own band to “uphold the spirit of metal”, roping in guitarists Necrophiliac and Iron Beast, bassist Eldand ex-Nifelheim drummer Devastator.

A self-titled debut album is now incoming… and The Sword Of Wrath is our first taste of the mayhem.

In Hellbutcher’s own words

“It kicks off with an epic intro and then dives into a frenzy of thrashing guitars, followed by a powerful chorus and an obscure yet heavy middle section with shredding guitar solos – everything you’d want in a metal song.

“The song’s lyrics are somewhat metaphorical, inspired by my decision to continue the path I started decades ago with Nifelheim.

“I believe this band has the potential to surpass Nifelheim; we’ve accomplished more in a year than I did in the last decade with Nifelheim.

“The key difference lies in the fact that this band shares a common goal. I am now filled with tremendous inspiration, and I plan to create new songs, records, and gigs at a completely different pace than before.”

The verdict on The Sword of Wrath

There was no chance Hellbutcher was going to swap Nifelheim’s old school attack for nu metal grooves or djenty prog-outs, was there?

You could never see he guy behind albums such as Envoy of Lucifer going all poser on us.

So, unsurprisingly, The Sword of Wrath is exactly what we’d expect: a torrent of infernal riffs and scorching solos, speed, drama and multiple adrenaline hits. Cut Hellbutcher open and you’d be drenched in liquid heavy metal.

Bewitching, menacing intro? Check.

Early 80s, nascent thrash riffs? Yep.

Hades-spawned, rasping vocals? Of course.

Piercing, frosty fretwork? It’s there.

This is catchy as hell… and a storming return to action from Hellbutcher.

What’s next for Hellbutcher?

Hellbutcher’s debut album will drop on May 31, courtesy of Metal Blade Records and the band are playing Muskelrock, Sweden on the same day.