Die Hard - Nihilistic Vision

October 30, 2009

Reviewer: Kesh

Like Sodom, Possessed, Celtic Frost, Cliff Burton era Metallica, and old school Slayer? What about legendary thrashers Venom? If you’re into everything I just mentioned, you’ll die for Die Hard and their first full-length album, Nihilistic Vision. This is what thrash is supposed to be. It’s fast, angry and abrasive. Oh yeah - and very, very evil.

Hasse, Håkan (of Watain fame), and Harry have very expertly captured the spirit of Venom’s Black Metal, an album that essentially birthed an entire genre of music that has evolved differently from its original (reportedly satirical) roots. Die Hard’s Nihilistic Visions brings back warm fuzzy memories of the first time I ever heard Venom’s classic album, and I am pretty sure that this will eventually be placed along side it in the halls of music’s best and most memorable albums.

These Swedes prove they are masters of their craft, assaulting the world with their first offering. This album is so evil they dared to release it on October 31 - All Hallows Eve. An ominous release date for one of the most brutal albums I have heard this year. I think Satan would be proud.

Now, with tracks like “Bloody War,” “Nihilistic Vision,” “Ride the Incubus" (that latter of which successfully includes a cliché use of female vocals), and “Attack from the Black.” There is no confusing what Die Hard is about. Add to it that the fact their music’s aggressiveness backs up the names of the songs, and you have a winning album that is worthy of a very high rating and is quite possibly the best debut album of 2009.

Now, to be honest, I hate reviewing albums that I like from the get-go because it's hard, in my opinion, to review them fairly and give them a proper rating. This seems to be doubly so for Nihilistic Vision. During the time I was listening to the album, I could not find anything wrong with the album and am having a hard time not jumping up and trying to start a one-woman mosh pit in my kitchen.  Rather silly, but the power from the album is that moving. I hope that I get to see these guys live soon. It would be a shame if they don’t tour in support of this album, spreading their mayhem across the planet.

This album kicked my ass; you should let it kick yours.

Release Date: October 31st, 2009
Label: Agonia Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Into the Desolate
     Halls of Death
2.  Hidden Face
3.  Bloody War
4.  Nihilistic Vision
5.  Fed to the Lions
6.  Mercenaries of Hell
7.  Ride the Incubus
8.  I Am Possessed
9.  Attack from the Back
10.  Death Chasing the
       Flock of Mortals

Total playing time: 40:37

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