Hell Boulevard – Requiem

Hell Boulevard released their fourth full-length album “Requiem” on 1st March 2024. It was produced together with none other than Lord Of The Lost‘s Chris Harms. Let’s hear how much, if at all, he has influenced Hell Boulevard’s unique and mesmerising blend of gothic rock and orchestral flair. Here we go with the first of ten songs.

Requiem

Not Another Lovesong (REQUIEM)

The opener of the album shows us exactly the direction of the whole album. Hard and tight gothic guitar riffs and actually I can hear a little bit of Chris’ influence. They are interrupted by a short, slower interlude they kill right away. A great song for the not so faint-hearted lovers!

.

She Just Wanna Dance

The title sounds a bit like “the dog just wants to play” and all that is left is minced meat… The song is not as dangerous. Strong gothic influences are mixed with some kind of trance and make it a very danceable, driving tune. It is not as heavy as the previous track, but the guitar solo tears it apart, infernal and melodic at the same time.

  .                  

The Monster

Staying on the danceable side, but speeding up to, let me guess, +200 bpm. “The Monster” is an overwhelming overdose of Gothic Dance Metal. We can enjoy a slower interlude to catch our breath and get ready for the climax of sweet little death.

.

Guillotine

Some people may know of my historical interest in the Great French Revolution. So of course this was going to be my favourite track, even though I hadn’t heard it before. It starts very romantically with an orchestral intro and slowly glides into guitar riffs. So far, so good… Well, so far, so much better, it speeds up. No mercy for the decapitated queen of your heart, you are the “Guillotine”. Your blade is sharp, your efficiency is deadly and final. I love the mix of orchestral instruments and hard metal riffs combined with a female choir. Honestly, this is my song! I just wish there was a video…

Rollercoaster

From bloody ancient times to modern amusement parks and roller coasters. Listen to the “Rollercoaster” and get faster and faster. Don’t lose control or you’ll be thrown off the track. Close your eyes and enjoy the ride of a lifetime. Even if it ends in disaster, but that’s up to you.

I Got What I Want, But I Lost What I Had

That’s a very tragic title for a song and I expected a very sad and dark song. I failed. It is a catchy, almost funny song with lots of synths and a very rousing drum beat. It has to be a perfect live song. Dance to it, sing along and start a bonfire with your lighters at an upcoming show.

.

Messed Up

A very electronic and symphonic song messes me up. It builds up its tension until it really leaves you “Messed Up”. But isn’t that what you expect from Hell Boulevard? Needless to say that it is again a very danceable song. And I like the little details like a few violin notes from time to time.

WEIRDOS

Don’t we all sometimes feel like “Weirdos” in the modern world? So does this little gem with its unusually short ancient intro. And once again I understand why and how Chris Harms co-produced this album. He hasn’t created “another Chris Harms album with a different band than Lotl”, but has built in little rough jewels that only need to be polished to shine like black diamonds.

Branded

Industrial meets Gothic meets Hell Boulevard. “Branded” almost sounds like a trademark for the whole sound and atmosphere of “Requiem”. It contains everything you need to explain bombastic Gothic Metal with an industrial influence.

Don’t fix a broken heart

The album’s closer comes a little too early. Nevertheless, it is better to listen to ten real killers than an album with 5 good songs and ten fillers. It is a completely different song than everything else on “Requiem”. All we hear is vocals, piano and cello, more piano than cello for sure. Is it a melancholic song? No, it is an honest song, written by life and the lyrics are self-explanatory. They teach you a lesson, remember it when you’re in a situation like this.

.

What is left to say?

I have to thank Hell Boulevard for “Requiem”. It is a fantastic album and a worthy successor to “Not Sorry”, their 2020 release. The influence of Chris Harms is undeniable, but not dominant. That’s what I call a perfect collaboration. Check out the album and the German tour dates in April. Is there any venue near you? Go and enjoy the gothic party!

Short Facts

Hell Boulevard – Requiem Tour presented by NoCut Entertainment, tickets

 

---

Online:

Hell Boulevard

Please buy merch and physical music or downloads from the bands official sources and don’t stream it for free because it steals your artists’ income.

---

Proofreading by DeepL