No one can deny that historical events and persons of interest play a key role in vast amounts of metal and rock subject matter. Many artists draw from the well of the past, both figuratively and verbatim to tell stories that fit their music. Countless examples exist using some of the most well-known pivotal historical moments. What’s always interesting is when a band does this sort of thing well but also when they choose subject matter that is lesser known but still important in terms of the fabric of history. Head Hammer Man is an example of exactly that. HORNDAL have produced a conceptual tale of the largely unknown individual.
Even in the hometown of HORNDAL which the band takes it name. Who nevertheless was extremely important. Alrik Andersson, a man who led a union in the Swedish town of HORNDAL in 1909 during a time of hardship, strikes and famine. His actions resulted in not only the government relenting in their use of soldiers enforcing law but also them stepping in to stop the companies evicting the starving families. His tale, ends with him being blacklisted in his home country and forced to take his family to a new life in Chicago. A life worth celebrating for his earlier actions faded into obscurity. HORNDAL breathe new life into his story.
Channelling the spirit of the protagonist, both metaphorically and literally thanks to audio excerpts. The title track swiftly introduces the Head Hammer Man concept. The singular hammer on metal hits perfectly encapsulating the subject matter before a powerful riff driven cascade kicks in. The atmosphere builds into an irrepressible groove to engage and deliver promise of more to come.
More is dutifully supplied. Wherever one cares to turn is so much on offer throughout these ten tracks. There is a colossal sound to the guitars chugging out SABBATH like riffs, backed up by relentless drums and tasty bass lines. At various points musical influences and parallels can be drawn, yet there is still a unique identity the HORNDAL have carved for themselves. With this their third album, they’ve definitely forged a specific quality which fans will recognise while newcomers will comfortably relate to. There is so much going on musically, but it never overpowers the vocals. With a throaty rasp, the story of Andersson is told with both a clear narrative but also a connection that any listener could identify with if they are (and most likely are) unfamiliar with the history.
Calling Labour gives more of a melodic flavour. Twin guitar harmonies that wouldn’t be out of place in a NWOBHM album with a sonic atmosphere akin to that of GHOST. It’s as engaging as it is broad in it’s influence and helps propel the tale told by the harsh vocals. Blacklisted, the current single, delivers both a mesmerising hook and a rallying cry with which to release a rage upon an inflicted injustice. With a brooding, relentless rhythm, Creature Cages ensures that the story finishes on a powerful note. A memorable end that sticks with the listener and compels another run through of the album.
At face value, Head Hammer Man can be taken as an almost verbatim biography of Alrik Andersson. The tracks are laid out in a straight, chronological fashion and the lyrical content has a nice point A to point B feel. However, there is much that can be applied to many walks of everyday modern life. Many will feel struggles that can be represented in the tracks such as Fuck The Scabs and Evictions.
While we may not be facing the same troubles as 1909 Sweden, there is a lot that still resonates. With the accompanying music is both enthralling and eclectic in it’s influence backing everything up. HORNDAL have struck a wonderful balance and produced an able of true rabble-rousing status!
Rating: 8/10
Head Hammer Man is set for release on April 5th via Prosthetic Records.
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