REVIEW: HARLLEQUIN - Hellakin Riders

 

HARLLEQUIN - Hellakin Riders

Independent

The album titled "Hellakin Riders" was independently released in 2012 by the Brazilian band HARLLEQUIN. This work aims to blend the modern metal sound with classic and melodic heavy/power metal, showcasing clear influences from the U.S. metal scene. The band can be described as an effort to merge the CRIMSON GLORY influences with those of NEVERMORE. As a result, the album features a range of elements, from down-tuned guitars, grooves, thrash metal passages and blast beats, to some death metal vocals, U.S. power metal melodies, and neoclassical metal passages, particularly in the solos and lead parts. Despite the variety of influences, the overall sound is cohesive.

The vocals are handled by the late Mário Linhares, who tragically passed away in 2017 at the age of just 45 and was known from his work with DARK AVENGER. Once again, Linhares delivers a memorable performance, one that could be envied by the likes of Midnight and Tim "Ripper" Owens. His voice adds a significant layer of depth to the album, making it a standout aspect of the record.

Another noteworthy point is the high technical skill of the musicians, with some progressive metal tendencies scattered throughout the album. These progressive elements add an extra dimension to the music, making it more intricate and engaging.

Although the album didn't entirely excite me, it is certainly a quality release and does not go unnoticed. The songs that stood out to me include "King of the Dead," "The Bride," which exudes a strong CRIMSON GLORY atmosphere, and "Ancestors," where SAVATAGE's influence is particularly prominent. Overall, "Hellakin Riders" is an album that successfully marries diverse influences into a unified sound, and it is worth a listen for fans of both modern and classic metal.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης