Sawthis - Babhell (EN)

Sawthis presents the newest studio album that has the impressive name "Babhell". One expects great things when viewing the album cover first. If one reads the title, it soon becomes clear that it must be a concept album as each title has been chosen willfully and suggests that one must go through hell and back. Can one last this journey? I think so.

The opener "The Burning Place" goes really up in fire and I was promptly excited about the sound of the deep or dark basic mood. The forerunners are unfortunately unknown to me but I liked it immediately and had to think of Slipknot. One is directly invited to mosh and bang in every song. The titles are really individual and each has its own charm. It offers everything, whether it is the tempo, the change between shout and clean vocals, the partly hard riffs or the different sound elements from groove to mid tempo to thrash.

First of all, let me say that Joey Jordison (ex- Slipknot) has got a heavy competitor. Mister Melchiorre knows definitely how to handle his drums. In a moment he brings out the main points and at another he is heavy unleashed and hammers at his instrument that fur flies or in this case that the skins bursts and cymbals turns to dust. It's simply awesome.

I noticed, however, that there is a lack of guitar solos and therefore I am confident that the vocals are a focus point. Frontman Alessandro Falà has a pleasant and varied clean voice that assorts well with the music as well as the shout vocals that supports the heavy riffs and thundering drums.

The guitars are held in the background but do a good job. Here and there is a short solo and otherwise one guitar keep the rhythm while the other creates great melodies. I really have the feeling that they don't insert any additional samples. It sounds simply harmonic and it partly reminds me of Trivium besides Splipknot.

I was astounded that they have experimented with each song with regard to rhythm, speed and sound. Most impressive to me was the groovy mood of "Start A New Game". One can now and then listen to influences of metal core like evinced by Callejon or A Day To Remember. That mix defines this genre as it doesn't commit itself and that is what I like again.

However, I should not forget the ballad named "Never Alone" besides the many strong songs. It stands absolutely out from the rest and proves that the guys can also write calm songs. It is introduced by piano and accompanied by clean vocals. Furthermore, it creates just the right atmosphere that let one disappear into the depths of the inner soul.

As I already mentioned, each title is chosen deliberately and I think that they made sure that a massage is delivered and a story is told. Here the voices are well-implemented as he sung sometimes louder or quieter or aggressive and even breaks has been set pointedly to open oneself to the music.

Conclusion:
Altogether it is really harmonious and well-mixed. It is, of course, typical for this genre. The 5 Italians have done a good job and can be mentioned in the same breath as well-known bands like Lacuna Coil, Slipknot, Trivium or Korn. They have the potential to establish themselves on the German market. So, it is the best to order the album directly and listen to it.

Rating: 8,5/10

Recomendation: everything