During the 70s, the coming of the 77s Punk Rock was a huge influence for Metal in the years to come in terms of attitude (from where do you thing the idea of independent recordings and labels came from?) and on music (MOTÖRHEAD was the first one to fuse the energy and adrenaline of Punk Rock with Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, paving the way to the birth of extreme Metal genres). And such thing appears today as well, because many acts are using formulas of the past, with some of them trying to use a personal view. One of them is the Canadian trio BLACK ABSINTHE, as heard on their second full-length, “On Earth or In Hell”. This power trio works on a form of mixing Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Punk Rock influences in a melodic and catchy way. It can sound similar to HAWKWIND, MOTÖRHEAD and even to AC/DC (due its simple and energetic appeal), but their music is full of personality, with many hooks on it (and even some extreme Metal elements can be heard, as on the vocals tunes on some parts and double bass drums of “Call of the Void”).

In some moments, they depict the use of psychedelic elements on their musical mix (as heard clearly on “Jean Lanfray”). It’s really a very good form of music, full of energy and melodies. It was produced by J.C. Sandoval (who worked in the engineering of the vocals and backing vocals as well) and Tyler Williams (who did the mixing and the engineering of guitars and drums), and with mastering of Lasse Lammert. The idea was to catch the energy of the band as it was a rehearsal or live show, and put it on the album. It sounds organic and melodically filthy, but always in a way that is understandable by the hearers. And the artwork of Darrin Crosgrove is very good, depicting the band’s musical work.

Musically mature, the trio spews its energy and personality on songs as “Dead Queen” (a Hard Rock song filled with Punk Rock adrenaline, with many melodic hooks, especially during the chorus where vocals and backing vocals shows good contrasts), “Jean Lanfray” (pay attention to the psychedelic elements and excellent bass guitar interventions), “Call of the Void” (massive groove parts are heard, and some extreme Metal elements as well, always based on excellent guitar parts and arrangements), “On Earth or in Hell” (something of 80s Heavy Metal is heard on this one, with harsh vocals taking over, based on a thunderous drumming), “Essentially Fucked” (it’s clear that some Stoner Metal psychedelic traces contrast with extreme Metal elements, again based on a solid work of bass guitar and drums), and “Twisted Past”. All of them are really a good experience for the ears.

“On Earth or In Hell” depicts the maturity of BLACK ABSINTHE, but it seems that the trio is just beginning to show its value.