Hell Militia | ‘Last Station On The Road To Death’

It’s like a who’s who of the extreme French underground: members from Mütilation, Arkhon Infasutus, Merrimack and Temple Of Baal have mucked in to create a band that draws on the interesting elements of each.

Hell Militia don’t have the absolute savagery of the first two on that list, nor the filthy production values of either. If anything, they’re more similar to Merrimack and Temple Of Baal, following a fairly orthodox, old school BM line.

Though they start on an aggressive, warmongering foot, the mood here quickly turns to despondency. The initial blasting soon subsides, giving way to a slower, more dejected feel. This reaches the depths of gloom on album highlight ‘The Ultimate Deception’, with it’s withering choral drones in the background.

Given the back stories of the Arkhon Infaustus and Mütilation members it’s unsurprising - telling, even - that there’s a GG Allin cover on here.
It shouldn’t be surprising that it’s one of the best tracks on here either, with it’s slow, drunk feel.

This album’s an interesting mix. Like several notable characters in recent years it’s combining intense, orthodox BM with a punkish debauch - yet it always seems to concede to the depressive element as well.

It’s like life, really: one follows the other, doesn’t it. And why shouldnt black metallers say so?

3.4 / 5 - Earl grey ::: 06/07/10