HELLBASTARD were
a relatively overlooked English Thrash band that spawned sometime during
the latter half of the 1980's. Having completely forgotten of the
band's prior existence I was more than happy to pick up this release which
incudes seven bonus tracks. HELLBASTARD are best described as a Thrash
unit borrowing some degree of DARK ANGEL influence. The tracks laid
down here are both fueled with aggressive nature of 80's Thrash and made
to shine with musical competence, at once evident once the leads start
kicking in. I'm a bit annoyed by how the band elected to utilize
certain drum beats, specifically as they relate to the speedier parts.
Rather than a good steady racing beat, the band opt out for the repetetive
pounding section which, over the long haul, gets downright dull.
Vocally, the band are on par with the typical outraged yelps and
shrieks indigineous to the times. Good, catchy riffing is to be found
in plentitude on Natural Order and the general production
is suitable. I am less than inspired by the seven bonus tracks which,
recorded in 1988, sound as if they were roughly thrown together and
taped on a four track. However the core album does have enough force
to incite migraine headaches and spark violent fits of rage in even the
most hardened retro-thrashers. If nothing else, Natural Order
is a nice collector's disc.
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