Black Hill House - 'Release The Bullet'

(Independent)

Black Hill House are a young band with a lot of potential, they craft punchy hard rock in the vein of many bands of the late 80’s and early 90’s. ‘Release The Bullet’ is a promising precursor to what could be a really exciting hard rock act, that’s not knocking this album just me stating the obvious potential this album showcases. It is still a very enjoyable album in its own right full of songs that have a rock anthem quality to them and the energy to really stir people up.

The production isn’t too bad, I’ve heard far worse for an Independent release but a bigger budget and stronger production would benefit these songs impact immensely.

Black Hill House are a little rough around the edges and they put me in mind of early The Almighty which is a huge compliment as I adore the first two Almighty albums. If they could smooth those edges as well as garnering a slicker production these guys could be huge!

They are not totally retro in their sound they do have an air of Hardcore Superstar about them, but less spiky and punky than they sometimes come across.

As I’m listening through and picking up on some of the excellent guitar work and elements to the songs that really display huge potential for bigger and better it’s obvious to me a lot of heart and soul has gone into these songs. In their song writing both sonically and lyrically that passion is apparent and I think its that genuine love of music and desire to craft something enjoyable that strikes me. It makes it really enjoyable and an easy album to like and gives off an attitude of grabbing some beers and just letting go and enjoying some music for the sheer hell of it.

It’s hard to pick highlights as it’s a pretty tight collection of tunes, but ‘Wings’ is definitely worth hearing alongside the atmospheric album closer ‘Northern Lights’ which shows a different side to the band’s sound!

‘Release the Bullet’ is not a perfect album by a long stretch but it is honest, down to earth and genuinely enjoyable for what it is. It’s definitely an album Hard Rock fans should check out; they may not win everyone over but I know there are plenty of fans out there who will enjoy Black Hill House!

7/10

Essential Track - 'Wings'

Review by Woody