Review: Himsa “Courting Tragedy and Disaster”

Himsa
“Courting Tragedy and Disaster”
(Prosthetic)

Himsa’s metal is showing. This unit has always embraced a highly charged metallic element to their hardcore, but they’ve gone over the edge and pummel most brutally on their newest. Seriously aggressive metal riffage and leads filled with bravado give more than a nod to more traditional metal, but tempos are shoved around with such ferocity, that the hardcore edge is still in there. But in Himsa’s case, breakdowns tend to speed it up rather than slow it down. Another element that Himsa delivers upon well, is their ability to use single notes, almost lead like, as technically proficient rhythms. So you get a lot of spinal sharp notes ripping you up instead of just thick bar chord damage. At times (for an easy comparison), think if early Maiden listened to a lot more hardcore and you’ll hear what Himsa hints at in their more melodic moments. John Pettibone’s vocals are still a monotone rasp of frustration and dissatisfaction. You’ll need a lyric sheet. I talked to John once. He told me he had sabotaged a high school bully’s automotive project to the point that the guy ended up losing a thumb. It’s with that darkness Himsa spews this metallic/hardcore hybrid upon the masses. If you can swallow the harsh vocal delivery, the metal should appeal to aggressive set.

Bushman