Indian Heavy Metal. You usually never come across it. And then a few come in short succession of each other. It's like waiting for a bus. This time is the second time within a month that I am encountering it. This time the band is called AGAINST EVIL and they have been around for some 10 years by now. Visakhapatnam is their hometown and I have no idea at all about where that would be in that vast country. Before their latest effort “Give 'Em Hell” they have released two more albums. Their debut “All Hail The King” in 2018. Three years later they brought “End Of The Line” to the music table. Now, another three years later, I am listening to “Give 'Em Hell”.

Musically it is quite clear that AGAINST EVIL is getting their inspiration from the greats of old, like JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH, but most of all, early ACCEPT. That is what is says in the bio, and if you listen carefully the first and the last one of the names are most relevant. So, we are listening to full blooded NWOTHM with a little bit of a speedy boost from time to time. And is you are one of those who craves old fashioned sounds and atmosphere, you will love what is on “Give 'Em Hell”, as it will take you back to the very early eighties. No doubt whatsoever.

When you listen for the first time, your ears pick up the vibe and you get a smile on your face. Remember that moment, because once you listen to the album more and more, you will realise that AGAINST EVIL not only makes music like they did over 40 years ago, they also are able to make it sound as hollow as a politician's promise. On the surface it sounds okay, but after a while you come to realise it's like honest politics, as soon as you try to touch or question it, it falls apart. The space beneath is void of anything substancial. Yes, much like a politician's brain, to stay in the same vein.

I have to say, that although I am criticising it a lot, “Give 'Em Hell” is not bad as background music. But as this is their third album, I would have expected more depth and body from AGAINST EVIL. It would have been nice if all the cliches they are using would have been translated into good songs that stick. Now they are just average ones that are forgotten once they have stopped.