:: Hellfueled - Memories In Black

Hellfueled

With their two previous studio efforts (2004’s ‘Volume One’ and 2005’s ‘Born II Rock’), Swedish based heavy rock outfit Hellfueled more than filled the void that Ozzy Osbourne left behind with his own lack of solo output, with a sound that recalled the classic partnership of Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Zakk Wylde circa 1988 through to 1992. Returning with their third full-length effort ‘Memories In Black’, Hellfueled have once again partnered up with producer Fredrik Nordström (who also produced their first two efforts at his own Studio Fredman) to ensure that the winning formula of the past stays intact, but not without making some slight changes to their sound in the process.

The opening track ‘Rewinding Time’ has the band attacking with all their guns blazing at once with a distinctly retro ‘70’s hard rock influence heard within the thick guitar riffs and the subtle use of keyboards in the background, while Alkman’s vocals, while still very reminiscent of the ‘Prince Of Darkness’ distinctive vocals, sounds a little more natural and individualistic than what was heard on the band’s first couple of efforts. The huge grooved based ‘Monster’ certainly lives up to its name with Lönn steering the direction of the song with his huge bass sound, while a slight stoner rock influence can be found of the mid-paced ‘Sky Walker’, ‘Queen Of Fire’ and ‘Master Of Night’. The real stand out cuts on the album come with the heavier and far more driven sounding material, with the best examples being ‘Warzone’, ‘Search Goes On’, ‘Down’ and ‘Slow Down’, while the band try their hand at something a little more adventurous and the slower ‘Again’ and the up-tempo southern tinged ‘Face Your Demon’ with plenty of success. On ‘Memories In Black’, Hellfueled have experimented a little with their arrangements and tempos to reveal a little more of themselves beyond the obvious Ozzy Osbourne comparisons, all the while remaining true to the sound that was featured on their first two releases. In summary, ‘Memories In Black’ is a solid rocking release, and well worth checking out.