In Death Metal, there are bands that are trying to create their own musical form, to make them different from what already exists; there are others that aren't trying to do so, but express themselves in a personal way. But there's a third set: the ones that seems unable to create something new, and that aren't worried of it, just resting their hopes on was already done time and time again. These are those that clone others works (consciously of it or not), and this isn't the best. And unfortunately, the North American quartet HELL STRIKE shows on "Hellstrike" (their first EP) that they must evolve much more until their next release.

Their musical work is a primal form of Death Metal in the vein of the ancients like DEATH, AUTOPSY and others. But their approach is extremely crude (in the sense that they did things early than the right time), immature and with an extreme lack of personality. They really can have some potential, but they need to put it out, and as fast as they can. The recording is another problem. The work done by Charlie Koryn (engineering), Pablo Clares (mixing) and Tore Stjerna (mastering) isn't good at all, this vain try to be a band from the 80's or early 90's is a loss of time. Someone must tell them that a sound quality must be good, and to be crude and dirty will not make things better (or hide your problems).

Sorry to say, but what is shown on "Cadaveric Requiem" (that has few good rhythmic changes), "Chains of Frost", "First Born of Fire" (a slow song with some good guitar riffs can be heard, but the tunes used are totally useless), "Morbid Abnormality of the Ages", "Re-Abortion" and "Transylvanian Funeral" are just recollections of what was heard time and time again in the past. And more musical diversity can be welcome as well.

Mature a bit more, HELL STRIKE, because what is shown on "Hellstrike" isn't enough to make a path for you.