Last View

After three years and some great traction in Sweden's metal scene, Last View have finally released a debut album. Hell In Reverse is an excellent amalgamation of dark thrash with a metalcore attitude. The band maintain a speedy tempo throughout while sprinkling crushing breakdowns across almost every song. One of the band's strengths is the presence of two vocalists. Jakob Reinhard and Sebastian Kellgren share growling duties, making every track a fantastic duet of growls, screams, hardcore shouts and your typical metalcore all-in chorus. Erik Sundquist (guitar) and Tobias Ericson (guitar) show their proficiency by constantly switching from soaring, lightning-fast technical work to the depths of solemn, slow riffs. Robin Duvfors's drums keep time like a watch and Viktor Alasalmi's work on bass should be considered an essential service with this many breakdowns. "It's True" gets close to black metal territory, running just 48 seconds of frantic riffing and shared screeching. "Fear: It's Yours" is another track that wades into black sounds, featuring demonic blast beats that don't rest. "Down By the Docks" brings more breakdowns and great, spiralling riffs reminiscent of Cannibal Corpse, circa 1992.