HOODED MENACE – Effigies of Evil

Finally I was able to figure out what all the fuzz was about. Hooded Menace has been a name that I have only taken notice of but never have dedicated any time to listen to. When their latest opus "Effigies of Evil" dropped in my mailbox I was excited to give it a listen and to be honest I was not ready for the bomb that hit me.

This is one of the best albums I have heard so far this year. The finish duo delivers some of the heaviest doom/death there is and the album keeps growing on every listen. Their sense for melody combined with low tuned riffing at a comfortable pace is just pure heaviness! This is Hooded Menace’s third full-length since the debut "Fulfill the Curse" back in 2008 and they also have a couple of splits in their catalog as well so their work ethic en route.

The  tempo is as mentioned not overblown but they manage to keep it interesting all the way mostly because the evil groove  and the fitting vocal. Its layered in the death metal camp but clear and crisp enough not to frighten the non beleivers of the cookie monster  charm. The drums also play a big part of the allover experience. Unorthodox signatures and clearly played by a human and not an machine gives every song an unique signature. Combined with some minor funny samplings the whole album gives a major impression. 

The production is also crushing, with all instruments all up front and easy to comprehend.  To sum it up, "Effigies of Evil" is a must listen for everyone with a keen ear on  this form of metal. Recommended!