The number of subgenres in the metalverse is truly astonishing, but it’s not like they’re written in stone anywhere. It’s mostly a product of record labels, promotion agencies, music critics, and the bands themselves. Some make perfect sense like Death Metal, Stoner Metal, Symphonic Metal, Pirate Metal, Sludge Metal—there’s something in the vibe if not the literal description that resonates with them. I mean, Sludge Metal perfectly describes how the music actually sounds. It was no surprise to me, therefore, to see a band call their music Farm Metal.

POWERHILL hails from Taverne, Switzerland. Not sure where that is. Google even seemed confused. The best that I can tell it’s mostly forest and farmland . . . and, so, could very well be the natural birthplace of Farm Metal. POWERHILL formed in 2000 and has an on-and-off-again history that’s less compelling than it is wordy, so I’m just going to skip it. In broad strokes, demo in 2006, debut EP in 2022, and first full-length, Generation X, due on June 27, 2025 promoted by Dr. Music Promotions. 

As it turns out, Farm Metal sounds remarkably like 80’s Heavy Metal. POWERHILL’s particular style includes clean female vocals (Veronica Torre), a single guitar attack (Alberto ‘Cep’ Ceppi), and a versatile rhythm section (Luca ‘Chewbe’ Gentile, bass; Jörg Michael, drums). Execution-wise, they’re remarkably good which is pretty much expected seeing that they’re Swiss. It’s essentially in the water or milk or cheese or something. Similarly, production values are way above par.

Lyrically, we’ll call it fair to middling. These folks aren’t reaching for the stars with any evocative or mind-blowing lyrics. Mostly it’s tongue-in-cheek stuff. Tracks like “Mad Cow City,” “Fat Side,” and “Rehearsal Barn” aren’t meant to inspire listeners to overcome their existential crises or overthrow the local constabulary. But then again, they say there is power in humor in which case POWERHILL might be all the medicine this ailing world needs.

There are some solid offerings on this ten-track, 44-minute album. The opening and title-track, “Generation X,” is a perfect tone-setter for the album. It’s also supported by a nicely produced video right out of the gates. “The One I Wanna Be” is a rocking affair, with some means riffs balanced by Veronica harmonizing, I’m guessing, with a dub of herself. “Mad Cow City” is equal parts funny and rocking. Strong marks for this one. I also really like “My Mood” for its witty take on 80’s sappy ballads.

Altogether, POWERHILL’s Generation X is a smirky salute to 80’s Heavy Metal. It clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers. I somehow doubt there will be a mass movement of Farm Metal, but maybe this hill is better suited for one.