Review CALIBAN “Back From Hell”

There are only a few pioneer bands when it comes to metalcore from Germany. Heaven Shall Burn is one of them, as well as Caliban from Essen. The latter have a new album in the starting box with “Back from Hell” and as soon as the gates open it’s the opener “Guilt Trip” that doesn’t take any prisoners. With a guest appearance by Lukas Nicolai of Metal Cruelty, the song is a blasting metalcore track with hoarse screams and a rather melodic chorus. Caliban navigate through these poles with a great inner compass, launching an album that reflects almost three decades of experience.

“Back From Hell” begins with a dystopian intro called “Resurgence” before the already mentioned “Guilt Trip” kicks in with full force. Caliban’s songs reflect topics like inner struggle, pain, and despair; all of which lead to songs like the relentlessly pounding “I Was a Happy Kid Once.” The next massive headbanger on the album is the title track, which features another guest. Jonny McBee (The Browning) adds some vocals to this musical monolith and speaking of guests, there is also a third on the album. Joe Badolato (Fit For An Autopsy) contributes to the heaviness of “Dear Suffering”.

With “Alte Seele” the quintet from the Ruhrgebiet also recorded a song with a German title and thus follows a beloved tradition. A counterpart to these breakneck moments of speed is a song called “Infection”. It is a track driven by desperation and anger. An atmospheric verse pushes forward dark clouds that are supposed to wrap around your soul, while the chorus is more of a blasting momentum to ease the pain. “Infection” is certainly one of the most interesting songs on the album. “Solace in Suffer” with its moaning beginning is another moment on the album that shows Caliban to be more than just a band that can push the pedal to the metal. The band can create impactful songs while relying on speed and tempo, but they can also channel all the inner struggle into touching songs like “Solace in Suffer.

Caliban navigate between the poles of brutality and emotional impact on the new album. The sound reflects the lyrical concept and nothing on this album is about a happy flow of life. Unrest, distress and inner conflicts are what influence and drive music and songs. Caliban do a great job of finding the musical equivalent for these emotional extremes and launch an album that strengthens the band’s position in contemporary metalcore.