Hellgrav are a death metal band hailing from Germany. Formed in 2021, they released their first EP, Rottomatic, in 2022. In 2025, the band released their debut album, Dehumanized, in digital, CD and cassette formats via the Rat Covenant label. Last July, the band re-released this album on vinyl via the label Fetzner Death Records in a limited edition of 200 copies.
Dehumanized is a 43:02-minute album featuring 11 tracks. On this debut album, Hellgrav deliver a brand of death metal in the old-school vein, with Swedish influences, such as those of Entombed, evident right from the first track, Mutilation of the Stillborn.
The rhythm is fast-paced and aggressive, with slower sections and transitions that rework the structure of the preceding passages, particularly through the bass solos. The album also retains its sense of nuance. Alongside the frenetic pace, there are slower, more measured moments, such as on the track Pestosteron, which somewhat reminds me of Bolt Thrower, and Sadistic Death-Infector, which reminded me of Bloodbath, particularly at the beginning of the track.
The guitars launch into direct riffs with a heavy tone, creating that highly appreciated old-school atmosphere. A few melodic touches are also present in the compositions (however subtle they may be, they are certainly there) as heard on the tracks Chainsaw Crew, Impaled and Beheaded, and the instrumental Rotten Colony. The drums go wild with heavy-hitting rhythms and imposing blast beats. This style is evident on tracks such as Mutilation of the Stillborn and Chainsaw Crew. However, it is on Distorted Identity that the blast beats are at their most effective.
The vocals take the form of growls interspersed with piercing screams. One of the most powerful examples is on Sadistic Death-Infector from 0:19 onwards. This alternation between the two forms is a recurring feature throughout the album. In my opinion, the vocals reach their peak on tracks such as Chainsaw Crew and Spit Out Your Teeth. But it is on Dehumanized that we find a fascinating variety of deep growls and powerful screams, with a performance at its very be(a)st.
Among the moments and tracks I particularly enjoyed are the section from 1:12 onwards on Chainsaw Crew, with ferocious vocals accompanied by fast blast beats, and from 2:32, I liked the instrumental showcase the band delivers. There’s also Impaled and Beheaded, which I consider one of my favourite tracks on the album, with its frenetic pace and menacing atmosphere. On the track Spit Out Your Teeth, what I liked was its structure and the way it evolves as it progresses, moving from a captivating intro to a heavier rhythm, underpinned by an impeccable vocal performance. I also enjoyed the title track Dehumanized, which captures the band’s entire musical vision as presented across the album’s previous tracks: a raw, oppressive soundscape, melodies and ferocious vocals.
Dehumanized is a death metal album that will satisfy fans of the genre like myself. A raw sound, old-school influences, and undeniable brutality. It’s not just an album to be listened to; it deserves to be explored further. As I write this, I’ve listened to it three times, and with each listen, I keep noticing new details. An excellent album.
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| More Rating Here You can check the album on Fetzner Death Records - Website or on the Bandcamp below HELLGRAV LINKS FETZNER DEATH RECORDS LINKS |