MP3: Hellsongs - Seek & destroy
I have very conflicted feelings about Hellsongs. On one hand, I can't help but love their stripped-down, loungified takes on metal classics. But on the other hand, I hate it when people think that metal is only approachable from an ironic standpoint. Dammit people, there is no shame is liking metal. Metal rules, okay? We all know that Manowar is silly, but they are still awesome. Either you get it or you don't. Now I'm not exactly sure what the motivation is for the folks behind Hellsongs, but I suppose I should assume them to be pure-hearted unless proven otherwise. Their lazy, organ-driven take on Metallica's "Seek & destroy" is just too good to think otherwise. Please! Don't let me be wrong! Forget about Mark Kozelek and his lame acoustic AC/DC covers - that stuff was pure novelty and the charm wore off after a few listens. When the original songs are good, it doesn't take much to make them work sans distortion. Being said, some of the selections from Hellsongs' "Lounge" EP work better than others. Iron Maiden ("Run to the hills"), Black Sabbath ("Paranoid") and the aforementioned Metallica track (posted today for your enjoyment) are all top quality. Motörhead ("Orgasmatron") and Judas Priest ("Breaking the law") are a tad less good, but still decent. My wife comments: "They don't sound like they could break the law, they sound like they can barely get off the couch." As for Van Halen's "Jump"? Hmmmm, no thanks. Diamond Dave is the only reason the original is any good at all and without him, there's little left that's appealing. All in all, a fun EP - as for the future, a little Hellsongs goes a long way, so let's hope that they don't overdo it.
Hellsongs - Seek & destroy