(Heavy Metal / Hard Rock) Hëssler (Hessler) - Bad Blood (EP) - 2011, MP3, 256 kbps

Hëssler this year releases their first EP, entitled Bad Blood. The usage of vocalist Lariyah Daniels' picture on the front cover of the EP and the numerous photos of her flaunting her body on the band's numerous websites almost make it feel as if it were a gimmick, selling the sexy image of her, and this certainly leaves me slightly apprehensive of the album and what it had to offer. Looking past that though, every album deserves at least a listen before a judgement is passed.

A guitar riff introduces listeners to the opening track of the album, Shark Attack, sounding like it could come off a power metal album, before being joined by another guitar, harmonising the lead lines, Maiden-style, starting off on a promising note. With a female vocalist, one would expect a powerful vocal, but as vocalist Daniels comes in, it gets slightly disappointing as it seems that she isn't fully exploring her range and vocal prowess, though she seems to thrive on the higher and more challenging notes and on ballads such as Scarlett. In addition, the rest of the band also provide backup vocals which could slightly spoil the songs, though the intention of the band could very well have been to provide a contrast between Daniels' vocals and the rest of the band. The vocal harmonising also felt off sometimes, and moments like these could have been better off without these harmonising effects.

The music that is executed is pretty good as well and is reminiscent of 80s-styled glam/heavy metal bands, though on Shark Attack the sudden quickening of pace on the chorus and the breaks in the riffs felt slightly awkward. On songs like Crash 'N Burn there were also moments like these towards the end of the song, and this definitely catches the listener off guard and felt out of place on the song. Guitarists Igz and Dano prove their abilities though, with the numerous melodic guitar solos that are present throughout the album, from the faster-paced ones on Shark Attack to the more melancholic and emotional guitar lines on the intro of Crash 'N Burn. The first few riffs on Crash 'N Burn further brings listeners back to the 80s where big hair bands like Mötley Crüe churned out some of their best material, but as usual, vocalist Daniels for some reason doesn't match the aggressive riffs that are played at the background.

Overall, while the music on the album provides listeners with 30 minutes of decent 80s hard rock/heavy metal with the song structures and the flamboyant guitar solos, Daniels' vocals seems to be the weakest link, and the album would have certainly benefitted if only she dared to fully explore and utilise her vocals.

(http://www.heavymetaltribune.com/)
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Hëssler is an upcoming traditional heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois that few have heard of, yet phenomenal particularly on first listen! I really didn’t know what to expect when I first played the disc but the music got me completely impressed. Let’s consider someone asked you to briefly describe a particular metal album. Your description can be a few words, a sentence, or even just a single word. In our case, “Bad Blood” can be simply described by “old-school”! It goes without saying that if the old-school didn't pave the way, none of those talented new metal releases may be heard today. Herein a brief review of certain topics concerning “Bad Blood” will be given which will help in both, introducing the band and understanding the work presented in their first official release.

The packaging for the disc is a digipak with Lariyah Daniels’ sexy photography on cover… Yes, sex sells. Musically, the first and foremost advantage of this album is a high number of undeniably catchy guitar riffs. In effect, guitar-wizardry is evident here with a tremendous bunch of guitar solos. Another thing that impressed me the most about this EP is the vocals. Hëssler is fronted by the gorgeous vocalist and model Lariyah Daniels. She is certainly a powerful female vocalist and completely delivers on all levels. Her vocals range from typical traditional heavy metal to a more melodic sound reminiscent of gothic inspired metal bands. The quick and loud drumming add plenty of heaviness to the EP. In my point of view, they are done right and perfectly fit the album’s overall tone. Bass is hardly heard in some songs and usually follows the guitars while in others they are completely merged with the drums. Generally, This EP is still very much in a similar vein to any classic heavy metal release. Therefore it lacks creativity. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important negative points about “Bad Blood”.

Overall, this is a promising debut release and an average non-disappointing introduction for the band. Moreover, Hëssler has long way to go in order to reach music perfection. If you like old-school fashioned heavy metal, “Bad Blood” is certainly a non-regrettable addition to your music collection. This EP is also advised to any open-minded metal fan who enjoys discovering new talents.

Highlights: Shark Attack, Windy City Wild Child, Bad Blood.

Igz Kincaid - Lead & Rhythm Guitars/Backing Vocals
Erik Michael - Bass Guitars/Backing Vocals
Lariyah Daniels - Lead Vocals
Marcus Lee Cox - Drums/Backing Vocals
Frankie Sripada - Lead & Rhythm Guitars/Backing Vocals