Screamer – Hell Machine

Much has changed for Swedish heavy metal juggernaut Screamer in the 4 years since their last album. Vocalist/bassist Christoffer Svensson left the band a few years ago, and was replaced by two members. His vocals were definitely an integral part of the band’s identity, but not completely irreplaceable. This brings us to 2017’s “Hell Machine”, an album that picks up exactly where “Phoenix” left off. This succinct release features 8 hard-rocking heavy metal anthems. Though the singer may be different the core elements of the band’s sound remain intact. They still worship the typical heavy metal legends that most traditional bands borrow from, and Screamer also continues to use those unique melodies that always made their songs stand out from the crowd. One of the most refreshing things about Screamer is that their two guitarists, while very talented, rarely unleash an all-out shredfest. Instead, they opt for more melodic and memorable licks in their solos, creating emotional and impactful moments.

Screamer has always shined in the songwriting department and “Hell Machine” is no different. “On My Way” is easily one of the best songs the band has ever written, due largely to the fact that its chorus is the ultimate sing-along anthem. The other single, “Monte Carlo Nights”, is another highlight, but even deeper cuts like “Lady of the Night” and “Denim and Leather” have plenty of replay value. Sometimes the lyrics feel a little cliché or overused (“Warrior” and the aforementioned “Denim and Leather” in particular suffer from this), but this is not a style of music that is thriving because of originality. And when it comes down to it, Screamer’s musical traits are unique enough to make them distinct from their peers.

Naturally, this brings us back to the new singer. Like Svensson before him, he definitely has an unmistakable voice. In other words, you’ll know you are listening to Screamer the second you hear him. Though he gives an admirable performance, the shoes he had to fill were just too big. Sometimes he displays unlimited potential, such as in the bridge of “Monte Carlo Nights”, where he screams his lungs out, but even these fiery moments don't dispel the fact that he can’t live up to Svensson. Now, this doesn’t mean he is bad at all. In fact, if this album were to be your first impression of Screamer, you wouldn’t have a single complaint. As a long-time fan, however, it is difficult to get past this. And this is truly no different from any other band; the singer is often the face of the band, and with very few exceptions, fans almost always side with one singer over the other. 

In the end, “Hell Machine” is about playing fun heavy metal. The slight hard rock elements that the band had alluded to on their previous records are gone completely, and the result is a pure heavy metal package recalling bands like Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. Twin guitar harmonies are used to maximum effect, and on practically every song (“Lady of the Night” having the most potent example). Screamer has no shortage of riffs, and they manage to make them interesting despite not reinventing the wheel. Their constant ability to write compelling tunes is ultimately what makes “Hell Machine” an essential purchase!

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Highlights

"On My Way"

"Lady of the Night"

"Warrior"

"Monte Carlo Nights"

Final Rating

4.5/5 or 90%. 

Written by Scott