May 19th, 2010 
James Shotwell 
Artist: As Hell Retreats
Album: Revival
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Strike First
Tennessee heavyhitters, As Hell Retreats have relatively came into the spotlight out of nowhere. Since inception in 2005, they have been hard at work self-propelling their way to get established and break through the mold of the cookie-cutter deathcore scene. While their hard work didn’t go unnoticed it still wasn’t enough to push them onto the radar. They self released four demos before finally gaining the interests of Strike First records. Five years in the waiting, As Hell Retreats are nearing the release of their first full length album, Revival.
The album kicks things off simplistically with the tone setting soundscape, “Intro.” This is nothing more than subtle opening bars that slowly ascend to a breakdown of heavy chugging and pounding drums, but it’s dramatic enough to keep the listeners’ attention. “Inferior,” follows by building the assaulting battle plan of the album, with contrasting tempos hammering over chugs, deep growls and a percusive maelstrom of double bass. Vocalist Jackson Greene delivers a baritone range, while also incorporating higher screams and gutturals growls. His execution is nothing we haven’t heard before but they are satisfying enough to do its job. Displaying their impressive song writing abilities, “Messengers,” offers a lot in terms of music. Relentless drumming, intricate riffage and groove sections build the ever-changing wrecking machine structure.The track takes an interesting change of pace when the rageful music is subdued to a melodic guitar solo and a dramatic pause that leads to an intense breakdown. While the collection of heavy sounds start to sound repetative, title track “Revival,” provides a memorable moment. This instrumental doesn’t just offer a welcomed break but it display’s the band’s musical dexterity and capabilities to deliver a softer side to their otherwise heavy demeanor. “Poor God,”succeeds with the return of their intensity and is by far the highlight track on the album. The introduction is immediately compelling and Greene’s vocals live up to their potential, exceptionally well as he screams over underlying melodies then delivers earth-shattering gutturals.
As Hell Retreats stand proud proclaiming their faith with their uncompromising message of hope. They also convey a hard-hitting message against commercialized Christianity and the downfall it has on the world. This disgust is especially evident on track, “Contradiction,” as Greene screams, “If we’re supposed to be one nation under God/ Why are we denying the blind? / Why are we denying the sick? / My God, we are not under you. / We are the disease. / We are listed under the disease. / American Christianity is a disease.” But they quickly turn their loathing message into an inspirational proclamation when they state that American’s can start helping the less fortunate and stop “being the contradiction that’s sending us to Hell.” Lyrically this album has a lot to offer, it’s chocked full of similar hopeful yet anguishing topics.
Overall, the capability to stand out amongst the growing ranks of deathcore acts is becoming virtually impossible. As Hell Retreats puts up a valiant and commendable effort to break through the mold but unfortunately considered in the vast musical spectrums, Revival is only able to stand middle ground. Their passionate lyrical convictions add to their strength but aside from a number of memorable moments their musical exhibition doesn’t match up. Considering Revival is their first full-length album, it shows immense potential, that they will hopefully live up to on further releases.
Score: 6.5/10
Review written by: Nerissa Judd
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