GEHENNAH - Metal Police (12" Gatefold LP)

In March 2014, Lightning Records initially released Gehennah's Metal Police as a four-song seven-inch record. However, Metal Blade Records reissued it in February 2015, marking the band's debut on that label. This reissue included the original four tracks from the seven-inch and added eight bonus tracks, primarily consisting of re-recorded songs from their earlier albums, King of the Sidewalk and Decibel Rebel, along with two previously unreleased tracks. Gehennah, a band active since 1992, has a discography that includes three full-length albums, three demos, three EPs, and two splits. However, their notable claim to fame remains the infamous Headbangers Against Disco series, featuring bands like Sabbat, Bestial Warlust, Infernö, and Nifelheim.

Metal Police marks the band's first newly recorded material since 2003's 10 Years of Fucked Up Behavior, which mostly featured old tracks with only two new additions. Hence, apart from those two tracks, Gehennah hasn't been highly productive over the past decade. While they did take a short break from 2008 to 2011, their productivity before the hiatus wasn't exceptionally high either. Nevertheless, despite the lengthy gap between releases, the only lineup change has been Charley Knuckleduster taking over bass duties from Ronnie Ripper. The band has continued with their signature sound, which has remained relatively consistent over their two-decade-plus career.

Gehennah has been at the forefront of the gritty, speed metal-infused, blackened rock 'n' roll scene for years. This style has gained momentum recently, and it was only a matter of time before a band like Gehennah, known for their Motörhead and Venom-inspired, whiskey-soaked, brass-knuckled sound, would catch the attention of a larger label like Metal Blade. Fortunately, Gehennah hasn't sacrificed their raw edge in the process. The production maintains its characteristic grungy, booze-soaked quality, akin to a ferocious garage recording rather than a polished studio effort. However, this doesn't obscure the instrumentation, which remains clear and in-your-face. Gehennah has found the perfect balance; a band willing to cover the classic Dwarves track "Fuck 'Em All" won't be delivering a pristine or polished production.

Gehennah has always prioritized rocking out over pristine musicianship, and that's not a flaw but a defining feature. They proudly label their music as "filthy and violent street metal," a fitting description. Their sound proudly showcases influences from bands like Venom, Motörhead, Bathory, and Tank, resulting in a raucous and sleazy amalgamation. Expect thrashy riffs, sloppy rock 'n' roll-inspired lead licks, and gruff, whiskey-and-smoke-tinged vocals that only years of performing in smoky clubs could produce. The re-recorded tracks sound fierce and pummeling, albeit slightly tighter than the band's original versions. Songs like "666 Drunks & Rock 'n' Roll" and "Six-Pack Queen" have been given a commendable facelift, featuring a sharper guitar sound and overall improved performance. Meanwhile, the new tracks, "Black Jack Loser" and "Carve Off Your Face," demonstrate Gehennah's continued excellence and will undoubtedly leave fans eagerly anticipating their fourth full-length release.

It's reassuring to see that Gehennah can still evoke those classic vibes after a decade of silence. Fans of Midnight and Barbatos should not miss this release, as it shares the same spirit of Venom and Motörhead worship. Metal Police doesn't reinvent the wheel; it's gritty and violent street metal with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek lyrics. With the clinking of bottles on the floor and the air filled with the scent of sweat, smoke, and whiskey, Gehennah's latest work transports listeners to the same grimy basements and clubs that forged their sound.