To play Old School Metal genres, one must understand that it’s not just setting things and playing music. You must put something of your own into music, because to be a pimp Metal act isn’t something desirable (even if your friends say the opposite, just have some critical sense). And it seems that the international act SIJJIN had learned such lesson, because “Helljjin Combat” isn’t just a conglomerate of cliches. Ekaitz Garmendia (the band’s guitarist) worked on the recording, with The Evil N. (Nikolai Wurk, drummer of VALE OF SIDDIM and former member of NECROS CHRISTOS) did the mastering, and it was recorded live at BlackStorm Studios in Karrantza, Basque Country, and the mastering was done at Temple of Disharmony in January 2025. The idea seems to create something organic and old fashioned, but defined and understandable, and the final result is very good, allowing everyone to understand what’s being played.

Musically, the band follows a tendency in Thrash/Death Metal that has deep roots in the German School of the 80s, especially on releases as “Infernal Overkill”, “Endless Pain” and “Persecution Mania” (and obvious traces of releases as “Hell Awaits” as well, as some longer songs) and others when the mix between influences was something unintentional. But the band doesn’t deny the use of other elements, as refined Thrash Metal arrangements that resembles acts as METALLICA and MEGADETH on their early releases, and something inherited from LED ZEPPELIN (the intro of “Fear Not the Tormentor” creates such impression on the hearer). It’s a bit different from the usual, but will not cause commotions on the puritans as well, because it’s full of energy and use some cliches of the genre.

Their music can sound as a Thrash/Death Metal version of MOTÖRHEAD sometimes due the uncompromised way their music sounds, and “Fear Not the Tormentor”, “Dakhma Curse”, “Trance of the Mummified”, “Death Opens the Grave”, “Religious Insanity Denies Slavery”, “Horrific Distortions”, “Five Blades” and “The Southern Temple” are tracks that depicts how they have guts and personality, even working on an old-fashioned way. And as said above: the addicted fans of such tendencies on Old School Metal will surely love this release.

SIJJIN shows on “Helljjin Combat” that they’re an act that must be followed (and heard) carefully by Death/Thrash Metal fans and Thrash/Death Metal fans (the order is important).