Exploring Full Of Hell’s Latest EP: Broken Sword, Rotten Shield
Following an impressive 2024, marked by the critically acclaimed album Coagulated Bliss and the chaotic collaboration Scraping The Divine, Full Of Hell returns with their new EP, Broken Sword, Rotten Shield. This release showcases a broader and more diverse sound, diverging from the expectations set by its lead single and the overall aesthetic of the album.
A Diverse Soundscape
The EP opens with the title track, “Broken Sword, Rotten Shield,” which introduces a distinctly riff-driven sound. This track draws parallels to Darkthrone’s heavy-metal-crust-punk fusion era, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience. The second track, “Lament Of All Things,” infuses beatdown hardcore elements with traditional metal, reminiscent of modern Integrity. Initially, these tracks may seem to lack the spark that characterized previous Full Of Hell releases, especially following the singularity of Coagulated Bliss. However, upon further listening, their quality becomes more apparent, particularly in “Lament Of All Things,” which stands out for its rhythmic distinctiveness.
Experimental Tracks
“From Dog’s Mouth, A Blessing” begins with barked, warbled vocals juxtaposed against distant, acid-burn shrills. This menacing buildup creates anticipation for a massive release, yet the track concludes abruptly at 49 seconds, leaving listeners craving more. This strange choice adds an intriguing layer to the EP, highlighting the band’s willingness to experiment.
Among the two industrial, atmospheric tracks, “Corpselight” emerges as a standout. It incorporates elements of the band’s death-industrial lineage, presenting a relatively sedate composition. In contrast, “Mirrorhelm” attempts to create a disquieting mood but falls short due to its brevity and transient nature, lacking the oppressive atmosphere it aims for.
A Fusion of Genres
“Knight’s Oath” introduces a fusion of metallic-hardcore-black-metal that is atypical for Full Of Hell. Instrumentally, it leans towards a more melodic sound, yet its muted production renders it surprisingly inoffensive. While it’s a solid track, it feels as though it fades out before reaching its full potential, which is unusual for a band known for creating impactful, concise pieces.
The EP’s final track, “To Ruin And The World’s Ending,” features a collaboration with Japan’s Kruelty. At over four minutes, it stands out as the most developed song on the EP. The slower pace and subtle death/doom influences create a unique atmosphere, balancing oppressive funeral dirge riffs with an open quality in its latter half. Compared to the more atmospheric tracks, this song feels deliberate and confident, solidifying its status as the best track on the EP.
An Intriguing Direction
While Broken Sword, Rotten Shield may not be Full Of Hell’s strongest release, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the band’s potential future directions. The EP showcases their ability to explore various genres, from blackened hardcore to traditional metal and even noise records. Full Of Hell continues to be one of the most intriguing bands in the realm of extreme music, leaving fans eager to see where their creative journey will lead next.
Broken Sword, Rotten Shield is out now on Closed Casket Activities.
