Self Released, 2017
Music: Melodic Death Metal
Website:
https://m.facebook.com/NinoHelfrich
http://www.ninohelfrich.com
Duration: 31 minutes (8 tracks)
Country: Germany
Nino Helfriech is a German Multi Instrumentalist known for his Solo Project under the same name. Being a Solo Artist has its perks as well as downsides. A huge advantage being one is ofcourse the utilisation of Guest Vocalists. Primarily being an Instrumental Metal Project this time around this Guitar virtuoso brought some of the famous and best Vocalists on Death Metal or Metal in general. Among the three Vocalists that featured, Bjorn Strind was the one that I was stoked of. This infamous Soilwork Vocalist is one among my favourite Vocalists so it didn’t take much time for me to get interested in this album. Hockey player turned Musician Nino outdid himself when he released his Debut Album which was an Instrumental effort that made an everlasting impact on the community. After a prolific success it’s important for him to maintain his level and caliber henceforth Hourglass is an Important album on his career. Let’s find out whether it’s a Hit or a Miss!
Songs are well arranged and the Vocalist trio Bjorn (Soilwork), Chris Clancy (Mutiny Within), and Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay) have all made their part memorable and perfect. If I were to choose one particular vocalist who shone through the entire record, it has to Bjorn. With his traditional Death Metal-esque deliverance songs such as Your Own Way and Facing Fear are masterpieces. Instrumental part is as good as the Vocals. With harmonic solos backed with thick djenty guitar riffs the Instrumentation keeps the Vocals on track without disposing much transition issues. Best track is undoubtedly Apocalyptic Inside. With sweet clean singing from Chris I love the fact how Nino integrated some of his spectacular lead work on to it and alas taking the centre stage with an euphonic guitar solo that perfectly matches the song and the atmosphere at which it is set. The Album ceases with another Bjorn and Nino masterpiece. Pull the trigger keeps the adrenaline pumped and never fails to keep the amusement for his future albums.
Overall I find this album a well constructed piece of art which not only makes the listeners hooked at the same time making some of the best memorable pieces made. Even though I do find some minor issues on transition and vocal switches however working with three different vocalists is not an easy job to do. That being said this album is a Must Listen if you are fan of Melodic side of Metal.
Tracklist:
01. Your Own Way (feat. Björn Strid)
02. The End (feat. Chris Clancy)
03. Let Me Sleep (feat. Christoph Wieczorek)
04. Day Of Reckoning (feat. Björn Strid)
05. Hourglass (feat. Chris Clancy)
06. Facing Fear ( feat. Björn Strid)
07. Apocalypse Inside (feat. Chris Clancy)
08. Pull The Trigger (feat. Björn Strid)
Line-up:
Nino Helfrich
Rate: 8.5/10
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