Review BITTERNESS “Hallowed Be The Game”

The German metal band Bitterness was formed in 2001 and has released several records to date. The band from Germany’s south-west has released their eighth studio album, called “Hallowed Be the Game”. This new album features furious thrash metal.

“Hallowed Be the Game” is rooted in traditional thrash metal and also incorporates death metal elements. They start the album with a bang. Fast and full of energy, “WWH8” acts as a battering ram. It’s an energetic sonic wake-up call and a fitting introduction to the album.

More moderately paced, and with a certain Exodus vibe, is “Hypopochristian”. Bitterness is supported by a renowned singer for the next songs. Gerre from Tankard adds guest vocals to the track. “High Sobriety” is a frenzied thrash anthem that also features a guitar solo by Michael Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt is also part of “Win-Windustry”. Influences of Bitterness can be found in the Bay Area, but there are also quite a few references to bands like Tankard, not least because of Gerre’s guest appearance. The title track is short and to the point. It’s a high-speed thrash metal blast with roots in the ’80s, while the longest track on the album is actually an instrumental. “Magnum Innominandum” is a seven-minute tune that proves Bitterness can create atmospheric metal songs without vocals. This instrumental is a highlight of the album, with Bitterness maintaining a thrilling level throughout.

The influence of the Misfits is evident in “Scream!”. The closer is a cover of a song originally performed by the legendary punk metal band, and Bitterness’s approach to the tune is excellent. It is an homage to one of the most iconic bands.

“Hallowed Be the Game” is an entertaining thrash metal album from start to finish. No one expects a band like Bitterness to revolutionise the music industry. What you do get, though, is an album that bursts with power and shows a band enjoying what they do. Frank, Marcel and Andreas have strong metal hearts and that’s what motivates them. “Hallowed Be the Game” is a raw thrash metal album with sharp edges. It’s an authentic piece of work with wrecking ball energy.