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SIJJIN "Helljinn Combat"
SIJJIN "Helljinn Combat"
By Dr. Abner Mality
RIFFS! Everybody loves 'em...everybody with a brain, that is. SIJJIN's got 'em...tons of 'em. They stitch them all together to come up with "Helljinn Combat", an album that takes you back to the great days of evil thrash metal on the cusp of becoming death metal.
Some have described this German/Spanish trio as early death metal. I disagree! It's very clear to me that SIJJIN is very much a thrash metal band. If you want to split hairs, they can also be compared to first wave black metal...they sure love the Devil enough. Their copious riffage calls to mind the glorious mid-80's when thrash was exploding into new and distinct forms. Sure, there are some SLAYERish moments here, but SIJJIN reminds me a lot more of POSSESSED with how they put their songs together. And other classic bands like WHIPLASH and INFERNAL MAJESTY also come to mind. And yes, there is a strong METALLICA influence here, but only the METALLICA from the first two albums.And you can even add in old South American bands like early SEPULTURA and PENTAGRAM(Chile).
It's a great listen if you're into that era (and I am). But be prepared, the production is very much 80's sounding...dry and crisp. The vocals could be an issue for some. Gericke's evil croaks are very crude and primitive and WAY loud in the mix. If you can handle those eccentricities, you should be all over SIJJIN and their unorthodox yet old school blasts of sinister speed. Best tracks are lengthy opener "Fear Not The Tormentor", which starts mid-paced and then throws a molten assload of 80’s thrash riffs your way. "Horrific Distortions" is right out of the INFERNAL MAJESTY playbook and "The Southern Temple" really brings "Ride The Lightning" era METALLICA to the forefront.
A real trip through time here! Look it up!
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