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Review: Helvetets Port - Man with the Chains
Helvetets Port
www.helvetetsport.com
Man with the Chains

Label: High Roller Records
Year released: 2010
Duration: 15:19
Tracks: 3
Genre: Heavy Metal

Rating:
3/5


Review online: December 5, 2010
Reviewed by: MetalMike
Readers' Rating
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Rated 3.86/5 (77.14%) (7 Votes)
Review

I was unkind to Helvetets Port's debut, Exodus to Hell, justifiably so in my mind, so I wasn't sure what I was likely to hear on their new EP, Man with the Chains. After seeing the cover art, my hopes sank. While I admired their obvious passion for all things 80s, the band's performances were far too unfocused for my liking. Singer Witchfinder's vocals also left quite a bit to be desired.

Man with the Chains is a definite step in the right direction for Helvetets Port. None of the Iron Maiden-inspired twin guitar sound (you know the tweedle-deedle-deedle sound Messers. Murray and Smith patented) is gone. The production is slightly muddy but every instrument gets some space, meaning you can hear not only the drums but the bass as well. Even Witchfinder's singing has improved significantly. He's much more focused during the verses, but still loses control a bit on the choruses. The off-key singing is down to a minimum, as well. Both "Crusaders Must Ride" and "Man with the Chains" are pretty good, second tier quality NWOBHM tracks with decent riffs and better solos. "Lightning Rod Avenger" is the weak link here. The verses are OK, but the chorus is almost unlistenable, it is so goofy.

Not exactly great stuff, but Helvetets Port is definitely improving. Here's hoping they continue on this trajectory for their next full-length album.

More about Helvetets Port...
Review: Exodus to Hell (reviewed by MetalMike)
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