Deliver Us
Pitch Black, 2021
9/10
The Welsh progressive metal outfit Hunted return with this sophomore album, where the now quartet take influence from all the eras of heavy metal for a very unique and exciting listen.
“Velvet Worm” starts the listen with a hard hitting and rhythmic version of metal that’s both thundering and tuneful as soaring guitars and thumping drums complement the versatile singing, and “Salvation On A String” follows with a firm chugging amid the progressive ideas that give it a very distinct feel.
Entering the middle, “Burning Ones” trims the pace back initially before bursting into manic and charged speed metal like prowess with sinister vocals, while “The Black Shore” sounds right at home in the ‘80s with its dynamic and blistering delivery alongside the strong vocal acrobatics. “One More Time”, a particularly noteworthy tune, then balances both intensity and intimacy as gritty melody and bursts of pounding energy collide.
The final 2 tracks are certainly on par with the greatness of the rest of the album, where “Time Will Tell” displays the muscular rhythm section, and “Our Final Embrace” continues with a calm, haunting 8 minutes that near the end builds into an ebullient, diverse landscape.
It’s been over a decade since Hunted’s debut, and let’s hope we don’t need to wait too long for another batch of tunes, cause Deliver Us has Chris G (vocals), Steven Barberini (guitar), Jon Letson (bass) and Matt ‘Animal’ Thomas (drums) creating a very compelling version of metal that we all could hear plenty more of.
Travels well with: Sinsid- Enter The Gates; Airforce- Strike Hard