Reviewed by Andy Shaw

As Hell Retreats have worked hard to get to where they are today. Hailing from Tennessee they have independently released five-song EPs every year for the past four years. Now signed to Strike First Records, a division of Facedown, they get a chance to really show off the fruits of the experience they have gained. Their sound is rooted in death metal but they also draw on influences from thrash and hardcore. The album roars into life with "Intro" which sets the tone for the whole album. 'Revival' is packed full of top riffs and brutal breakdowns and Jackson Greene showcases his range of screaming from the high pitched to the deep growls fitting perfectly with the music. A big part of this album is the message in the lyrics with the anger of the music channelled towards subjects the band are clearly passionate about. "Poor God", for example, aims that anger towards people who use God's name to justify violence. The production on the album is excellent with thunderously heavy bass really adding to the richness of the sound. I would have to say that it is all over rather too quickly though. With only nine songs on the album, many under three minutes and two of them instrumentals it doesn't really feel like a full album.

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