“Hellfenlic” focuses on the horrific murder and persecution of so-called Witches perpetrated by the Puritan Church in The Infernal Sea’s native East Anglia. Twisted tales are told through the eyes of the famously barbaric and influential Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. The album has eight songs, and “Lord Abhorrent” is first. It’s blast of unbridled energy and a frightening picture, like ghost stories used to keep your kids in bed at night. The vocals are intense screams, but beyond that, the main riff is simple.

“Shadow of the Beast” sounds to me like a continuation of the previous song, and I sincerely hope that the album doesn’t fall into that trap where every song bleeds into the next. “Witchfinder” brings a little variation to the table, with a slower pace that grinds into the listener with a powerful and aggressive riff. “The Hunter” reverts back to the faster pace of the first two songs. Their brand of Black Metal is intense so far, but they have got to add some variation into the music, as the songs are repetitive.

“Bastard of the East” swings with a slower groove and a vocal cadence rhythm that matches the music. It slows even more towards the end with audible bass notes. “Black Witchery” is a fast burner where the band sound more like an 80’s Thrash band at first, especially with the whammy dive and leads. The band is attempting a change of sound to keep things interesting, but it falls flat for me with an overused riff. “Frozen Fen” slows down to let the evil soak in, as tortured and depressive tones set in. The lengthy “Messenger of God” closes the album, entering with clean guitars and effects. It lingers too long from there, with drawn out tones that are made from elementary riffs.

The good? The band isn’t without talent, and at least try to present some variation in their music. The not so good? Too many of their songs sound similar. Look, Black Metal can be very inventive, but you have to make a commitment to giving yourself to your music, and not presenting what the fans might expect.