S.H.S. Album Review: Rot In Hell - Ruined Empire

Rot in Hell is representing Holy Terror Hardcore in the UK, however the band is much more than just paying homage, they express their individuality and add something new to the mix. This compilation LP is a Record Store Day 2014 exclusive, and is a spiritual successor to 'Hallways of the Always,' which also happened to be a compilation of demos and 7" cuts released before their album 'As Pearls Before Swine.'

For this one though, here is the detailed track listing:

1. Armoured Gideon (from VEGAS split 6" / limited to 665 copies)

2. A Vicious Joy (from Ulthe_inn lathe cut 7"/ limited to 30 copies)

3. Erebus (from the INTEGRITY Split 7" / limited to 1000 copies)

4. Cauldron Born (from the MOLOCH split 7" / limited to 500 copies)

5. Over The Line (from the No Peace/War comp 7"/ limited to 640 copies) (S.O.B. cover)

6. Amsvartnir (from the WAYFARER split 7" / 500 copies)

7. Nitsua Namso Eraps (from Ulthe_inn lathe cut 7"/ limited to 30 copies) (Instrumental)

8. Life Becomes A Desert Around You (from the INTEGRITY Split 7" / limited to 1000 copies)

9. Sixteen (from the Studies In Emerald CDR / limited to 65 & unreleased lathe cut / limited to 66) (Danzig Cover)

10. Das Tierdrama (from the HORDER Split 7"/ limited to 500 copies)

11. Heraclitus (from the HORDER Split 7"/ limited to 500 copies)

12. Come Back (from the Studies In Emerald CDR / limited to 65& unreleased lathe cut / limited to 66) (Misfits Cover)

13. Aria of the Devil (from the Aria Of The Devil CDR / limited to 37 & unreleased lathe cut / limited to 66) (Theater of Hate Cover)



I have been enjoying a few of these on the splits I happened to pick up prior to the release, however, I was very happy to be surprised at what material was new to me. The record in a sense is divided into two sections. The first five tracks on the A-side are d-beat bangers filled with wild guitar riffs akin to Robert Orr's style in Integrity. My personal favorites are Armoured Gideon and Cauldron Born. Chris Colohan, famously from Left For Dead, The Swarm, Cursed, and Burning Love lends his vocals for backup on Erebus and Life Becomes A Desert Around You.

There is some tasteful use of acoustic guitar interludes, as well as sound effects and spoken passages adding to the bleak landscape. Take for example Amsvartnir, where ends with a chanting of the words 'this is the way the world ends,' over a tinny, droning static. This leads directly into track 7, which also contains spooky dialog and hollow soundscapes that paints pictures of occult rituals or grindhouse films in the listener's imagination.

The B-side introduces us to a refreshing change of pace. All of the songs here are in the freak-folk/neofolk style, similar to a band like Death In June. B1 is a the aforementioned 'Life Becomes A Desert Around You,' containing these fantastic lyrics: Time to make your voice heard//Time to prove your worth//Or be severed!

I loved hearing the band's rendition of the cover songs, especially Danzig's "Sixteen." The vocal inflection varies slightly from more bleak to more traditionally folk-y as well, particularly when the singer is emulating the original vocalist's style a bit on the cover songs. (Tracks 5, 9, 12, & 13) There is a hint of Eastern influence occasionally thrown in as well.

This is said to be the last recording with their current vocalist. I am both anxious and apprehensive about what will be next! I'm not sure if the vinyl LP is currently available, as I mentioned it's a limited release through Organized Crime Records You may want to contact them before adding the item from their webstore.

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