Formed in the Midlands of England that is characterized by flat low-lying terrain and cold, cloudy, wet winters, HELLSWORN came forth into the world in the year 2010 and was the brainchild of  guitarists Tom McKenna and Tom Hinksman. The idea was to create music based on their mutual admiration for Old School Death Metal as well as Punk and Black Metal. The band also claims to be equally influenced by Swedish Death Metal that came out in the late 80's and the early 90's. Bands like ENTOMBED, DISMEMBERING, DISCHARGING, AUTOPSY, DARKTHRONE, VENOM and MOTORHEAD have also influenced HELLSWORN. Repulsive Existence is the band's only release till date and was released independently in the year 2012. Underground Movement, a Dublin based record label, is set re-release the album this year with bonus tracks thrown in that includes a BATHORY cover song. The album was released as a cassette and CD format in 2014 with only 100 copies of each format by British label Eldritch lunar Miasma records and the album was sold out.

"Repulsive Existence", the title track and the first track of the album clocks just over 3 minutes and it is brutal from the get go. Deep guttural vocals inlaid with heavy melodies make for an evil sounding track. Once the 2-minute is past, the track slows down just a tad and makes way for a gloomy riff. A strong first song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. "Voices From Beyond The Grave" picks up where the first song leaves us. Gnarly vocals set to a wall of riffs and a short lead make this a tight and an impressive song. The band gives no quarter and pummels the listener with furious drumming and raspy lead vocals. A track just shy of 4 minutes in runtime is "Sons Of Serpents" and it kicks things off with a memorable riff before slowing down to a chugging demonic riff that compliments the gravelly vocals. An entirely enjoyable song, the chorus seems a natural fit for the verse and half through the song, the melody speeds up. This is another pounding of a track and the band does not relent till they have you on the ropes and it is the stand out track of the album for me. "In Eternal Darkness" is the final track and is another short track clocking just over 3 minutes. The track begins with merciless drumming and is a song in a hurry. Midway through the song, the melody slows just about enough to give some breathing space before the tempo reaches pulverizing speed.

The band sets about creating an extremely brutal record and sets the mood for a dark violent brutal attack of Death Metal. The tracks are powerful and just about enough to enthrall with killer riffs and short vicious lead solos. The production, however, could have been better although some fans will undoubtedly love the raw sound the band offers. Old school Death Metal at its grim best, the band goes about its business in an uncomplicated manner with bleak, ruthless evil melodies. A nefarious delight of an album.<