Hittman return to a new label (Greek label No Remorse) plus a new rhythm section. However, the main three: Dirk Kennedy plus guitarists John Kristen and Jim Bacchi are still there.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Hittman
ALBUM: Destroy All Humans
LABEL: No Remorse Records
SERIAL: 0744430522830
YEAR: 2020
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Dirk Kennedy – vocals, keyboards * John Kristen – guitars * Jim Bacchi – guitars * Greg Bier – bass * Jai Es – drums,* Joe Fugazi – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Destroy All Humans * 02 Breathe * 03 The Ledge * 04 Code Of Honour * 05 Total Amnesia * 06 1000 Souls * 07 Out In The Cold * 08 Love, ‘The Assassin’
RATING: 85/100
WEBLINKS: FB Page
Background
They’ve been a long time inactive. 1993 to be exact, 27 years old. In my last review of their album ‘Vivas Machinas’, I said that the final rites were not to be cast upon the band just yet, and here they are, proving me right. Am I Nostradamus? Maybe. Hittman return to a new label (Greek label No Remorse) plus a new rhythm section. However, the main three: Dirk Kennedy plus guitarists John Kristen and Jim Bacchi are still there.
So what is ‘Destroy All Humans’ about? The freaky alien/ET skull on the cover should have you all worried, but never fear metalheads. This newie has more in common with the 1988 Hittman debut than the second album. The sound is powerful, dual guitars are to the fore, the drum work includes a lot of double bass as it did before, plus the content is typical modern-day power metal subject matter. There is still some of the Queensryche influence in Kennedy’s voice, while Fifth Angel is still here or thereabouts musically.
The Songs
Highlights for me include the fast-paced pairing of ‘1000 Souls’ and the riff fest that is ‘Out In The Cold’. Even on ‘Code Of Honour’ the band keep it at an accelerated level. Despite what you might read elsewhere on the Net, ‘DAH’ is not a one-dimensional power metal affair. ‘The Ledge’ is a good example of this, Hittman offering a change-up in pace, opting for intensity instead.
So too the preceding track ‘Breathe’ which reminds me so much of debut album Fifth Angel. It’s a bit of a stalker. The title track opens the album, there’s a flurry of sci-fi oriented synths, sounding like a prelude to an Ayreon album. It soon makes way for a power-packed entrance. The final track ‘Love, The Assassin’ is a near 8-minute workout which sounds like a game of cat and mouse. I haven’t quite worked out the lyrics, but Hittman keep up appearances right through to the end.
In Summary
Released on September 25th 2020, Hittman’s latest will appeal to all the metallers out there, not so the fluffy AOR pompadours. A welcome return.
Video
The Ledge
Total Amnesia
