THERE'S NO 666 IN OUTER SPACE

Do you remember the duo named Hella? Remember Zach Hill and Spencer Seim making wild acrobatics with their instruments and playing their technical arse off? Of course, not many even know of what the heck I'm talking about, but for those who do: They're back with a new bag of tricks (and friends) up their sleeves. Watch and be amazed.

First and foremost I would like to point out that they aren't a duo anymore. They are now accompanied by a bass player, another guitarist and a vocalist. This may seem either intriguing or just plain wrong, but believe me that its all intriguing and so much more. The new members add a new dynamic to their sound, specially the vocalist, Aaron Ross, which is the most notable improvement. I couldn't think of a better singer that fits their style of playing. He's very energetic and charismatic (at least by listening to him). He's perfectly incorporated into their sound and that's one of the things I really enjoy about this reincarnation of the band. Don't worry about the lyrics though, try to pay attention to his way of singing rather than what he's saying.

The band doesn't suffer any changes in their sound with the new additions of members either. There's no simplicity, no chorus-verse-chorus and definitely no single. Their trademark sound is still intact and jaw dropping as it ever was. The new members of the band may have a hard time keeping up with Zach and Spencer, but in the sound of the album they aren't any slouches. Both, guitarist Josh Hill (Zach's brother) and bassist Carson McWhitrter, help to make the Hella sound richer and fuller than before while contributing with their own tricks as well.

Their songs are, as always, an unstoppable tour de force. There aren't that many places where you can take relaxing breath of fresh air and your blood will most definitely be boiling from start to finish. Their sporadic, complex and furious style is always fun and very entertaining to listen to. They do have catchy melodies in most cases and they help keep the accessibility of their sound intact. My personal favorite song on the album is "The Ungratefull Dead". It was the first song that caught my attention on the album with its overtly complex playing and strong sense of melody which is a thing not many bands managed to do, and you can rest assured that all of the song on the album has those two great qualities.

This is my first big surprise of the year and it'll definitely be one for you as well if you give them a chance. If you're a fan of complex music and energetic playing then give this guys a try, and even if you're aren't then give them a try as well. Chances are that with their nice combination of melody and complexity they'll appeal to prog fans everywhere.