Track Listing

1. Violation
2. Scoop
3. Living Next Door to Malice
4. Stormshield
5. Time to Discharge
6. Bullshit
7. Relics
8. We Curse You
9. Doombringer
10. Just Another Hog
11. Drop Dead
12. I Hate People
13. Go!
14. The Final Sleep
15. Slaves to the Grind
16. Breach of Integrity
17. The Everlasting Shame
18. Your Words Alone
19. Preview of Hell
20. Illogic
21. Whip
22. Worst Case Scenario

Length: 35:03

Genre

Grindcore

Release Date

May 13th, 2003

Record Label

Relapse Records

The Lineup for the Album

• Mieszko Talarczyk: guitar, bass, lead vocals
• Anders Jakobson: drums
• Jesper Liveröd: bass, low vocals

Recording Date

November 18th, 2002 – January 20th, 2003

Recording Studio

Soundlab Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Produced by

Mieszko Talarczyk

Album Themes/Concept

Social and Political Critique: Many tracks on the album address systemic issues within politics and society, including corruption and exploitation. The lyrics often challenge governmental policies and societal norms, pushing listeners to question the status quo.

Environmental Concerns: Consistent with grindcore’s often politically charged messages, “Helvete” includes a strong emphasis on environmental activism. Lyrics discuss the destruction of nature, humanity’s unsustainable practices, and the urgent need for environmental responsibility.

Criticism of Human Behavior: The album explores themes of human indifference and cruelty. This includes reflections on societal apathy towards suffering and the moral consequences of such indifference.

Confrontational Tone: The overall tone of the lyrics is confrontational, intended to provoke thought and evoke a sense of urgency. This aligns with the intense and aggressive musical style of grindcore, which uses fast tempos and harsh sounds to emphasize its messages.

Album Mood

Intensity: “Helvete” is characterized by its high energy and fast-paced tracks. The music is loud, fast, and densely packed with heavy riffs and rapid drumming, creating a relentless auditory assault that matches the urgency of its messages.

Aggression: There’s a palpable sense of anger and aggression throughout the album. This is conveyed through both the harsh vocal delivery and the abrasive soundscapes that dominate the tracks. The aggression serves as a channel for the frustration and dissatisfaction expressed in the lyrics.

Darkness: The album’s mood is notably dark and grim. This darkness is reflective of the serious themes discussed—environmental destruction, societal decay, and human cruelty. The heavy and oppressive sound complements the bleakness of the lyrical content.

Catharsis: Despite the darkness and aggression, there’s an element of catharsis in the music. For listeners, the energetic execution of songs provides a means to release tension and engage with the issues presented in a visceral way.

Album Trivia

Collaboration with Napalm Death: Members of the influential grindcore band Napalm Death contributed to “Helvete.” Mitch Harris directed a live music video for the track “Scoop,” while Shane Embury played bass on the songs “Drop Dead” and “Whip”​.

Album Artwork: The album cover was designed by Paul Romano, who worked closely with the band to reflect the “hellish” theme suggested by the album title, “Helvete,” which means “hell” in Swedish. The design process involved several sketches and revisions to ensure it matched the band’s vision​.

Album Title Discussion: The band members had different ideas for the album title. Initially, “Pravda,” the Russian word for “truth,” was suggested, but it was voted down. Another suggestion was “Chagrin,” but it was considered too complicated. Finally, “Helvete,” which means “hell” in Swedish, was chosen, fitting the album’s intense themes.

Extensive Documentation: The recording process of “Helvete” was thoroughly documented by the band. This included a weekly studio diary and a detailed article written by the late Mieszko Talarczyk about the recording sessions, providing fans a deep insight into the making of the album.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

• Enjoy Extreme Metal Genres: If you’re a fan of grindcore, death metal, or any extreme subgenres, “Helvete” offers the high-energy and intense experience characteristic of these styles.
• Appreciate Political and Social Commentary: The album’s lyrics delve deeply into themes like political corruption, environmental issues, and social criticism, making it appealing if you like music with a message.
• Prefer Short, Impactful Songs: With tracks that are generally short and to the point, this album will appeal if you enjoy music that delivers a quick, powerful punch without dragging on.

You might want to pass this one if you…

• Prefer Melodic or Traditional Metal: If your taste leans towards more melodic, symphonic, or traditional heavy metal, the abrasive and dissonant style of grindcore found in “Helvete” might not suit your preferences.
• Dislike Harsh Vocals: Grindcore is known for its aggressive and often unintelligible vocals. If you prefer clear singing or more conventional vocal styles, this album might not be enjoyable for you.
• Are Sensitive to Loud, Intense Sounds: The album’s relentless intensity and volume, characteristic of grindcore, can be overwhelming if you prefer less aggressive or quieter music.
• Look for Longer, Progressive Tracks: If you enjoy lengthy compositions with progressive structures, the brief and direct songs typical of “Helvete” may not meet your musical interests.

Release Date

May 13, 2003