CD Review - Genre DARK ROCK -
HELLBOULEVARD ALBUM "REQUIEM"
It took 4 years, but just in time for the tenth anniversary, HellBoulvard is back in 2024 with their 4th studio album. The band found support on their new album from producer Chris Harms, who has already had his hand as a producer for many bands.
The first question that you might associate with the new silver disc is the title of the album Requiem! But what does Requiem mean and is its meaning reflected in the album itself? The term actually describes a mass, therefore a solemn song (e.g. a lament) for the repose of the dead or something similar to such a solemn song, a musical composition in honor of the dead.
For me, however, the meaning of the album lies in a kind of
modern liturgy of the song lyrics and the use of social
content. Ok ok, you are welcome to look it up yourself if you
want to delve deeper into it.
So let's look at Requiem as a kind of show that is dedicated to
unsustainable fashion and, as Requiem, wants to send a warning
signal and see itself as a reminder of the basic needs,
prejudices, fears and longings of modern humanity.
With "Requiem" HellBoulevard knows how to celebrate the dark
dark rock that the band is used to like in no other album, but
also takes a path that many may not have expected.
The use of an orchestra together with choir, strings and piano
can be found in some songs in the album, but this in no way
misses the dark rock. On the contrary, because the band knows
how to bring the songs together in their own way and maintain a
high level of sound with hard drums, matching guitars and
acoustic bass. Pieces like "The Monster," Messed Up" or
"Branded" make every dark rock heart beat faster and pop
skillful metaphorical rock sounds around the listener's
ears.
The unmistakable voice of Matteo -vDiva- Fabbiani, the band's
frontman, skillfully refines every song, but could be more in
the foreground and not just the drums and rock guitars. As I
said, in Requiem the band uses orchestral acoustics, which are
presented to the listener in the various songs (10 in number)
included on the album. But not in an intrusive way, but always
in skillful passages, the orchestra and choir are used, for
example in the song "Guillotine" or "Weirdos", in order to
acoustically address the piece and the title and to highlight
them excellently.
Last but not least, the tender, dark souls among you will
delight in the song "Don't Fix A Broken Heart", which is
probably due not least to Matteo's voice. The piece begins with
piano and builds up to a full orchestra as the track
progresses, but always remains stylish. What really excites me
is the incredibly gentle, yet tender and rough voice of singer
Matteo, who sings this song in a very emotional way.
HellBoulavard also has a tender side that can be heard.
Conclusion: .....
With Requiem, HellBoulevard delivers a solid album that is fun to try, but there is still room for improvement. The bravely implemented mixture of rock, orchestra and classical elements brings the boys a lot forward and writes another milestone in the band's history. However, I would like a slightly better mix of voice and music as well as more courageous lyrics for the next album. Anyone who buys the album now will not be disappointed, even if the songs vary in quality. Hellboulevard once again delivers what the dark rocker soul wants!
Redaktion & Artikel M.Wernicke
BlackS Photography
Tracklist Requiem
1. Not Another Lovesong
(REQUIEM)
2. She Just Wanna
Dance
3. The Monster
4. Guillotine
5.
Rollercoaster
6. I Got What I Want But I
Lost What I Had
7. Messed Up
8. Weirdos
9. Branded
10. Don't Fix A Broken
Heart
Archiv 2024
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Article editorial team M.Wernicke - Photographer M.Wernicke BlackS Photography - All photos in this article © 2024 BlackS Photography M.Wernicke