Review H-BLOCKX “Fillin the Blank”

Holding a new H-Blockx album in your hands is something I once would have looked at with real doubt. After releasing “HBLX” in 2012, the band seemed to slip into radio silence. There were a few shows here and there, but not much activity showed up on the rock ‘n’ roll seismograph.

Things slowly began to change in 2024, when the band embarked on a headlining tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Time to Move.” One thing led to another. With “Fallout,” a brand-new song saw the light of day – and now here it is: the new longplayer from the Münster-based crossover powerhouse.

“Fillin the Blank” is the first H-Blockx album in 14 years, and it marks a strong and confident return for the four-piece. The title track opens the record and also serves as the lead single. It’s a vibrant, pulsating start packed with heavy guitar riffs and Henning Wehland’s signature vocals. Paired with a powerful chorus, this grooving opener sets the tone perfectly.

“Lights Out,” also released ahead of the album, follows as the next crossover anthem. It channels the spirit of the ’90s while still sounding fresh and contemporary. H-Blockx successfully transport the energy of their early days into the present, and “Lights Out” captures that balance beautifully. Lyrically, it’s a very personal track, addressing vulnerability and the courage to face weakness without metaphorically “turning the lights out.”

“Desperado” is another song with real lyrical depth. It’s about staying true to yourself and finding inner strength instead of expecting life to treat you kindly at all times. The track builds steadily before erupting into a raging crossover finale. The recurring female vocal lines in the chorus provide a bittersweet counterpoint to Wehland’s energetic, rap-infused delivery.

“Corns About 2 Pop” is a straightforward track with clear chart potential – a perfect blend of melody and a punchy crossover hook. Fury and wildness return with “Me and My Horse,” an untamed musical ride bursting with raw energy.

“What the Funk” pounds forward with driving rhythms and a funky chorus, leading into “Last Summer.” That track leans more toward punk, exuding a rebellious spirit while still delivering a highly infectious chorus.

Stripped down to its emotional core, “Come Clean” stands out with lyrics that demand attention. Wehland recounts the final 36 hours of his last drinking binge – the realization of what was happening and the decision to confront it. The tension between sobriety and euphoria is powerfully mirrored in the song’s shifting dynamics.

“Licky Licky” brings a smile to your face before “Timeless” signals the closing chapter of the record. Driven by a strong bass line and carried by Wehland’s unmistakable vocals, this grooving closer provides a well-crafted and satisfying finale to an entertaining album.

H-Blockx manage to recapture the magic of their hugely successful ’90s era while infusing it with a modern edge. They stay true to their trademark sound and rediscover their old strength. What began with live shows has now evolved into a thunderous full-length comeback.