Year: 2021
Total Time: 45:23
Label: Odium Records

Poland’s HELL-BORN started in 1996 as a project of Baal and Les initially, who at the time were in BEHEMOTH and DAMNATION, to be developed later into their full-time band. Until their break in 2008, they released five full lengths creating a cult name in the underground circles. After a twelve-year absence, they decided this year to return with their new blasphemous record “Natas Liah”.

Their music could be described as Blackened Old School Death/Thrash Metal and it is gratifying to hear a band from Poland that differentiates itself and does not play in the style of MGLA and DEATHSPELL OMEGA. HELL-BORN offers us nine songs (around forty-five minutes) with a sinister and aggressive character, where the influences of HELLHAMMER, MORBID ANGEL and Swedish Death Metal are combined with Thrash Metal and Norwegian Black Metal of the early 90’s. The morbid sound of the album is also complemented by some melodies, while Baal Ravenlock’s vocals bring out a David Vincent feeling. It is also noteworthy that BEHEMOTH’s Nergal  features in “Blakk Metal”, while the excellent production has been made by Haldor Grunberg (BEHEMOTH, BLAZE OF PERDITION).

HELL-BORN returns after twelve years to praise the old days of the Polish Metal scene and Nergal’s participation will help them spread their name to new fans. “Natas Liah”, without being something incredibly special, is a decent return for the Poles and it is a pleasant ride. In the past they didn’t shock us with their music and they wouldn’t do it in 2021. They just mix Black, Death, Thrash Metal ideally and offer us a good extreme record.

Rating: 6,5/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: HELL-BORN – Facebook Page