Unglued Reviews

The words “This is Hell” are inextricably linked in my mind with the whiteboy reggae song of the same name by Adelaide group The Jerks, but the five-piece US outfit using the phrase as their moniker could hardly be further removed from that association. Instead, this sophomore album illustrates that viciously punishing hardcore is the name of their game.

Dan Bourke pounds the drums like he’s got eight arms, while Rick Jimenez and Chris Reynolds’ guitars are no less relentless, but it’s Travis Reilly’s abrasively shouted delivery that proves to be the most powerful element.

Unlike a lot of similar acts, This is Hell aren’t afraid of songs that are over two-and-a-half minutes in length. While cuts such as opener Reckless and Fearless Vampires get in and out quickly and leave you wanting more, the group answers that wish with three tracks that break the four minute mark, as well as several more that nudge it. These extended outings give the band a chance to stretch themselves a bit more and help to avoid repeating the same formulas on each of the 13 songs. In Shambles stands out as a perfect example of this, incorporating tempo changes and pushing the band to achieve a result that’s definitely impressive.

That’s not to say that the shorter tracks aren’t also worthwhile – Realisation: Remorse is deliberately paced but still gripping, while the equally brief Without Closure which immediately follows is much more frantic and extremely adrenalised, proving to be one of the album’s many highlights.

The in-your-face intensity of Misfortunes should secure This Is Hell a reputation in hardcore as an important band to check out.

Owen Heitmann