11th December 2023

Review: “Faint Hope” by Helve (8th Anniversary)

Recorded and mixed by Ben Corkhill at Eiger Studios in Leeds before being mastered by Richard Newby at The State Of The Art Studio, the debut EP “Faint Hope” by Leeds Post-Metal collective Helve was released on 11th December 2015. It because the pre-cursor to 2023’s debut album “To Be Forgotten” and found the band incorporating heavier elements of Sludge and Doom Metal into create a sound offering depth, texture and darkness to an unforgiving World…

Wasting no time with an introduction, beast under the bridge vocals rise to the surface within the first two seconds of “Salva Plaga“, their gravelly low tones the sound of chains scraping the dungeon floor. Dirty Sludge Doom riffs swirl around them creating a claustrophobic atmosphere of unease with a sense of impending demise before an eerie melodic and melancholic moment breaks the cycle. A moment of respite and reflection, it gives the track a soft centre with that post murder chill of a psychological horror movie that keeps you on the edge of the seat. As a band Helve love the contrast between the melodic and the abrasive and that’s something they do well in their Post-Metal niche. There is a shoegazing quality to the wistful instrumental passage that brings “Blood-borne” to life which is absorbing and captivating. Somehow the band have managed to capture the despairing feeling of the day after one has learned of the death of a loved one or the decision of someone you love dearly to leave you in the dirt and put it into music. Fleeting vocals in the final third bubble up to the surface alongside some Sludge laden riffs to bring it home although by this point the damage is done and “Obliterate” is all we can hope for. That final piece is a magnum opus of a tune that approaches the eight minute mark with consummate ease and Doom inspired riffs which are cleverly evolved throughout the track so as to keep you satisfied. Ambient landscapes give an opportunity for the bass to rise to prominence and put a funkier edge to the funeral dance before the cathartic roars of the final couple of minutes smash the clock in fear. If the aim was to create music that stirs the soul, then Helve nailed it with “Faint Hope” because the title of the record feels like it was the mission statement and mantra during its recording… [7.5/10]

Track Listing