Album Review: Bangover – Hibernation Devastation (Self Released)

UK thrash maniacs Bangover have returned with a vengeance! Their explosive new album ‘Hibernation Devastation’ is out now!

Tongue jammed in cheek and in a destructive mood, Bangover return with a seven-track head banger that has enough fresh ideas to not just feel like a thrashy rerun of retro hits. Hibernation Devastation is what you get when a band is on form, and it starts in spectacular, fun, and bloody fashion. It’s The Texas Chainsaw Thrashacre, and it answers the question of ‘who will survive, and what will be left of them’ in aggressive fashion. Fast, furious, and downright anthemic, thanks to the shouty chorus. I heard this track live last month in London, and it goes hard.

That’s Bangover for you though, and alongside their undeniable ability to be fun (and silly), they really do know how to deliver thrash metal gold. Case in point? Scum of the Earth, which is such a highlight and not just because of the blistering guitar soloing. Then there is the thrill ride that is Thrashional Rail, a manic head banger that is sure to be a fan favourite for many years to come.

Sorry train nerds, only this band could make them this much fun.

Delivering even more raucous noise, The Banshee’s blended tempos makes it another delight. Whereas Death Shed takes some of its frenetic energy from the old school world of heavy metal, while having a sinister undertone, and Tannhäuser Gate pays tribute to one of the finest science-fiction films ever via a glorious heavy, thrashy, and (slightly) psychedelic sound. A track made even more intense thanks to the immense talents of Gama Bomb guitarist Domo Dixon. Happily, the experience of this track won’t be lost like tears in the rain as we can just hit play over and over again.

It’s a fun record, an indisputable fun record, but importantly, that’s not the main takeaway of it. No, the fact that it is a thrashing and crashing heavy banger is what sticks. Bangover might not take things too seriously, but they know how to deliver heavy metal gold and with the finale of the title track, they put an emphatic exclamation mark on that statement. If the neck muscles weren’t already aching, this one will finish them off.

Bangover – Hibernation Devastation Track Listing:

1. The Texas Chainsaw Thrashacre
2. Scum of the Earth
3. Thrashional Rail
4. The Banshee
5. Death Shed
6. Tannhäuser Gate (ft. Domo Dixon)
7. Hibernation Devastation

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