The narrative of manipulative, emotionally abusive, and gaslighting friendships and partners is sadly all too common, with almost anyone you meet being able to spew out anecdotes of troubled pasts as if you were a fly on the wall in their therapy session with them. Some were destined to break, fall and surrender, whilst others were born to escape, learn and overcome. These experiences aren’t limited to personal and familial relationships though, as artist Lisa Perry (Hellz) can testify that these characteristics are able to chronicle her own battles with professional bullying and sociopathic behaviour too.
Having teamed up with musician, writer, and producer Daryl Holde (Abyss) in the wreckage and rubble of her shattered hopes and ambitions, the heavy metal offering Hellz Abyss provided the outlet needed to prove that not all was lost. Spinning a yarn of pain and betrayal into a garment of determination and sheer will power in the form of their debut album, N1FG, has raised two middle fingers high in the air to those who had taken advantage.
‘Deadones’ combination of panning fuzz and distortion on Holde’s guitars act as a comforting cloak in the evening twilight, whilst a hypnotic solo riddled with flanger gives the effect of being under the tranquility of water, far away from the worlds’ evils. “Nobody’s gonna touch you, (nobody.)// Nobody’s gonna hurt you, (nobody,)” provides the chilling empty promises of the Joker’s nature to Harley Quinn, none-the-wiser that she’s entangled in his web; “Don’t be afraid to die, ‘cause we’re already dead inside.”
Nu metal riffs layer ‘Ratatat’ in guitar grit and vocal valour, these main elements oppressively pushing the bass and drums down beneath their boot. The track’s subtle with it’s echoic atmosphere, trudging through damp sewers with danger lurking in the shallows. Electronic elements pan in and out of ‘Kill the Real Girls,’ like having an annoying fly mockingly flit around your head.
Nu-metal riffs continue their conquest into ‘Paperback Lover’ and ‘The Darkest,’ Marilyn Manson’s ‘The Beautiful People’ weaving the same twisted and psychopathic elements as seething backing harmonies make it sound as if Perry has her own Mz Hyde personality threatening to break out of their chains. ‘Faith’ incorporates strong male vocals before the track comes to a short close at 2:27.
Perry exhibits snappy and repetitive vocals on ‘Waste of Time’ that provides a punchier punk flavour similar to the vibes on Skid Row’s Slave to the Grind. The opposing quiet vocals on the track ‘Liar’ ties in with the reassuring whispers of gaslighting, before intimidating screams make you feel like an inferior mouse. Rhythmic hyperventilation of male breaths indicate he’s finally been challenged as the same femme fatale power and dominance exercised by In This Moment’s Maria Brink emerges.
Tying in with In This Moment’s allure, ‘Rope Bunny’s’ introduction of sexual moans reclaims power and control over owning what is yours, the filthier riff borrowing from the hedonistic musicality of 80s sleaze metal as its short-lifespan exposes the tracks achilles heel. ‘Salute’ barrels in galloping riffs, the cavalry musicality confronted with a sweltering guitar solo as Perry claims “I’m gonna make you regret every choice you’ve made.”
Light piano keys and slow, gloomy bass lines sees a softer start to ‘Trust.’ Like the enchantment of a black widow however, the distortion and bite kicks in and injects a lethal dose of venom that renders those whom dared let curiosity get the better of them paralysed.
Subtle double kick drums underneath ‘Vicious’ move like the deliberately unhurried crawl of an arachnid. We’re told over and over again that time heals all wounds, yet we never “know how this vicious circle ends baby,” or even when. ‘Shoot to Kill’ strips bear and reveals more classic rock inspired riffs and melodies, whilst anti-climactic closing track ‘Souleater’ leaves funky bass lines to display their prominence even over the top of Holde’s guitar solos.
Hellz Abyss have ripped the still-beating hearts from those who opposed them and torn at the jugular’s of those whom oppressed them with N1FG, proof that what doesn’t kill you only makes you a force to be reckoned with. N1FG is available now across all streaming platforms, and for more band information and touring updates click here, or visit social media links below.
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