Album: HELLSMOKE – Hallucination
Release Date: 18 April 2025
Label: Hellsmoke/Wind Up Production
Review Author: MetalMike71
Hellsmoke is from Malmö in Sweden and was formed in 2018 and can best be described as a raw classic hard rock/ metal band with modern elements and even some prog metal influences.
This is their second album and since the first, there are some “new” people in the band.
Christofer Dahlman – Lead guitar
Rimbert Vahlström – Vocals, lead guitar
Thomas Klintberg – Bass
Simon Vahlström – Drums
The album kicks off with the heavy and raw song “Wasted Times”. Pumping guitars, raw vocals and a really heavy rhythm section. It reminds me of Kings X a bit. Great guitar solo in the middle of the song.
“Now You See Me” is a fast and heavy song with a rhythm like the song “Rhythm Of A Red Car” from Hardline, but heavier but with a little prog elements in the chorus and it makes the song more interesting. Cool song.
“Hellucination” is a bit more melodic and sounds a bit like the later Pretty Maids albums with heavy rhythm and great guitars pumping through the song. A nice little middle section takes it down for a moment and then straight into a great guitar solo.
“Shellshocked” is the latest single/video from the album and it starts with a cool banjo intro before it goes into a heavy monster of a song with country vibes. One of my favourite songs on the album. As heavy as anything from Metallica’s Black album. “Wheel Of Pain” starts with a great riff that comes straight from the late 80’s. With a great melodic chorus with another nod to Pretty Maids this is another great song.
“Ghost Of The Past” is next and it is another stellar heavy song with an atmospheric sound. This is another of my favorite songs on the album. There is great harmony vocals in the chorus. Think of the heavier side of later Winger and you get the sound of this song. Awesome!
“Danger Zone” is one of the fastest songs with heavy double bass drums. The production sounds great on this album and you can hear every instrument well in the mix. “Pain” is a cool track with mid-tempo but still heavy and great guitar riffs and a cool chorus.
“Bloodline” is another of my favourite songs with a great chorus, pumping guitars and cool drumming. The voice of Rimbert suits this kind of metal very well with raw and powerful vocals. Let’s not forget the pumping bass from Thomas Klintberg either.
“Sinner Saints” continues on with heavy riffs from Christofer Dahlman and comes with another cool chorus and a great guitar solo. Last song on the album is “Taking Its Toll” and it is my least favorite song. It is the song with the most prog metal sound. Really heavy guitars but for me it just sounds like a mess of all instruments and no real chorus, sorry guys.
All in all, this is a great second album from Hellsmoke and if you like bands like Pretty Maids, Freak Kitchen, Winger (the heavier side) and like it heavy but with finesse and melodies, you should definitely listen to this album. They are all great musicians and the production is great. I will come back and listen to it over and over again. Good luck, Hellsmoke and I hope to see you live somewhere soon.
Rating 8/10
Check out more of my articles on CGCM Rock Radio/Website: MetalMike71
