Review: “Leave No Soul” by Hatchet

It’s been six long years since the last confession of Bay Area Thrash outfit Hatchet with 2018’s “Dying To Exist” leaving scorched earth in its wake. Inking a deal with M-Theory Audio, the band teamed up with Nick Botelho of NB Recording (Interloper, The Kennedy Veil) who handled that album to record, mix and master their next burnt offering, turning to Andrej Bartulovic of All Things Rotten (Raven, Hirax, Alcatrazz) to assist with the cover artwork. The only surprise is that what bassist Devin Reiche, drummer Ben Smith, guitarist Clayton Cagle alongside vocalist and guitarist Julz Ramos have to offer is not a full length but an EP with three new original tracks and two classic cover tunes…

A celebration rather than a stop gap, “Leave No Soul” gets off to a blistering start with the rampaging title track. A classic piece of adrenalized Thrash delivered at breakneck speed with fist pumping gang chant moments and Ramos finishing his sentences in spitting, snarling higher pitched phrasing. The solo from Cagle is majestic, a bolt of lightening from a wrathful God as Hatchet give us the kind of statement piece tune that screams “we’re back for vengeance!” and leaves you breathless. “Concealing Decay” has Trivium inspired riffs at it’s beating black heart with Hatchet showing no signs of slowing down even for a second as they tear out of Hell’s gate like a Pitbull chasing the mailman’s leg. What’s impressive about it is that while it sounds distinctively like it’s 1984 stylistically, it doesn’t sound dated, something for which Botelho deserves a lot of credit. There are no cliché moments or anything too cheesy, instead the band punch you in the guts with their offering and walk away with an evil grin upon their faces. A mighty fine time with plenty of verve, swagger and face melting solos, there is nothing not to enjoy and that’s before “Withering Minds” pulls up a pew and asks you if you want a shot of firewater. Another ripper that bodes well for the bands next album, the third and final original cut has a rich guitar driven melody that doesn’t drain away any of the electrifying energy that the band inject into it. Not only is the musicianship impeccable but the power and energy the band are able to create with that is exceptional.

After those three punchy originals, taking on a pair of covers to round out the record seems like a brave move but that is something that they say favour fortunes. First up is “Human Insecticide” by Annihilator which is an ideal choice for a band like Hatchet to take on, the influence of Technical Speed Thrash master Jeff Waters on the band obvious. The metaphorical equivalent of a runaway train with a bomb on board, it has everything and the kitchen sink in it, including some jaw dropping whammy bar action. Perhaps not as obvious is “Hellion” by W.A.S.P. however it is a fitting tribute with the band reaching their 40th anniversary this year. While some might have thought it would never happen, bassist and Anubis frontman Devin Reiche provides some melodic vocals to provide a greater connection with the original while increasing the intensity of the delivery to make this rendition their own. All in all, “Leave No Soul” is five impressive tunes that is arguably the perfect introduction for new fans because if you haven’t heard them before it will have you diving into their discography pretty damn quick [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Leave No Soul
2. Concealing Decay
3. Withering Minds
4. Human Insecticide (Annihilator cover)
5. Hellion (W.A.S.P. cover)

“Leave No Soul” by Hatchet is out 15th October 2024 via M-Theory Audio and is available over at bandcamp