Hellshock are nothing short of a stenchcore institution. For 25 years, this Portland band has been shaping apocalyptic crust with unrelenting conviction, and their new record XXV stands as both a celebration of their legacy and a bold step forward.
Across six new tracks, Hellshock return to the raw, filthy roots of classic stenchcore while simultaneously pushing their sound into darker, heavier, and even more triumphant territory. Crushing Bolt Thrower-style riffing collides with grim, somber melodies and the occasional synth flourish, creating an oppressive, almost funereal atmosphere. The result is six anthems of rage and despair, delivered with massive production, visceral vocals, and a rhythm section that hits like a collapsing world.
With the addition of Todd Burdette (Tragedy) on second guitar, XXV connects deeply to Portland’s DIY hardcore lineage while evoking the spirit of legends like Hellbastard, Axegrinder, and Deviated Instinct. Still, this is no mere throwback – Hellshock reinvent the wheel with a sound that can only be described as progressive darkened stenchcore. (Luka Bevk)