ALBUM REVIEW SPIRITWORLD

HELLDORADO

REVIEWER – GRAEME WRIGHT

I first came across SpiritWorld in 2022 when they released their fabulous record ‘DEATHWESTERN’, an amazing blend of storytelling, Thrash Metal, Country and Rockabilly which I absolutely adored.I duly devoured their back catalogue and even read main man Stu Folsom’s book Godlessness, which was a collection of short stories based on the cowboy themed characters from the first two albums. The fact that Stu is a creative genius buzzing with original ideas is unquestionable and I couldn’t wait to hear the new record.

Well, it didn’t disappoint. This is the finest Thrash/hardcore record that you will hear all year. That’s not the full story though as the band are keen to break down boundaries and produce a record that defies pigeonholing. There are three songs on this record that are closer to Country/Rockabilly/Americana than they are to Thrash Metal and all three are fantastic songs.

So, down to business. Album opener ‘Abilene Grime’ sets the scene with its opening organ sound and galloping pace, tinged with a touch of rockabilly before we are hit with a full frontal Slayeresque vocal and riffs to burn. This album clearly means business and at just 28 minutes long there isn’t an ounce of fat on the ten songs presented here. ‘No Vacancy In Heaven’ follows with its thrashing guitars and a huge back line with rhythm, bass and drums merging perfectly to present a huge conflagration. It’s heady stuff and is right up my street.

‘Western Stars & The Apocalypse’ continues with the fury unabated and we are looking at ‘Reign In Blood’ quality here as it’s an all time Thrash classic. Things then take a turn for the interesting with ‘Bird Song Of Death’ which is Rockabilly Metal and is so different from anything we’ve heard so far. It’s bloody fantastic and is actually my favourite song on the record, it’s been on repeat in Chez Graeme to the extent that even the missus is singing along. The variety continues with ‘Prayer Lips’ which is as close to Americana as you can get while still being Metal. It’s another great song and I just love it when an artist isn’t afraid to experiment on a record to the extent that these guys do.

‘Waiting On The Reaper’ brings us back to full on Speed Metal and it blows the cobwebs away while shaking your speakers, this is prime mosh pit material and I can’t wait to see these guys live.

‘Oblivion’ has a thunderous bass and drum attack and is the angriest track on the entire record and the closest to being a proper Thrash/Hardcore crossover song with a touch of D.R.I. or even Suicidal Tendencies about it. ‘Cleansing’ has an ominous opening before it settles upon an almost mellow instrumental sound. This leads into ‘Stigmata Scars’ which is the closest record here to the style of the previous album. The record closes with ‘Annihilism’ which is a fabulous acoustic led track that is hugely atmospheric.

If you build into the overall picture the fact that these songs are linked thematically and tell a story, it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into this record. It’s early days but I do suspect this will be my album of the year once we hit December. My highest recommendation.

BAND

Stu Folsom – Vocals/Guitars

Randy Moore – Lead Guitar

Matt Schrum – Rhythm Guitar

Nick Brundy – Bass

Preston Harper – Drums

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. Abilene Grime

2. No Vacancy In Heaven

3. Western Stars & The Apocalypse

4. Bird Song Of Death

5. Prayer Lips

6. Waiting On The Reaper

7. Oblivion

8. Cleansing

9. Stigmata Stars

10. Annihilis