The Modern Metal tendencies still have a long way to fight for their due place into the Metal scene worldwide. The preconceptions and denialism thrown into the modern genres are signs of conservative behavior into Metal, and that's extremely a dangerous way, because once on it, you'll not be able to think for yourself, but as it's being told to you. If you don't like them, leave them alone and go to enjoy what you like; if you like them all, enjoy and don't care for those who aren't into such ways. And the Portuguese quintet HO CHI MINH shows a good work on "This is Hell".

Their music is a combination of Industrial Metal with elements from New Metal, Metalcore and Groove Metal, but in a personal way. The band shows an aggressive appeal in many moments, but with a clear melodic tendency appearing in many parts, creating a fine set of musical contrasts. And it's good to hear such young band doing a musical work at such level, indeed. The production of the album worked in a form to make it sound heavy, greasy and bitter, but without turning it fuzzy or noisy to the point of turning their melodic parts hard to understand. No, things work in a very good way on the sonority, indeed.

The band works in a form that all the songs are short (just one of them is longer than four minutes), and they don't overload on the instrumental technique. And songs as the chaotic and massive "Break It" (very good screams and fine guitars), the charming melodic appeal presented on "Wasted" (and a massive and grasping work from bass guitar and drums), the abrasive strength of "Let Them Suffer" (this one has a clear Industrial Metal appeal, but the  slow pace can smash bones to dust), "Stay Away" (this one is that one that lasts more than 4 minutes, so the listeners will find a very good blend between New Metal and Metalcore elements, along with some chaotic Industrial moments), the charming approach used on "Crawling", and the subjective melancholy presented on the harmonies of "Scars" are the album's finest moments.

For the ones who are fans of Modern tendencies in Metal, "This is Hell" will be a true finding. And the name of HO CHI MINH can grow a lot, if the listeners give them a chance.