REVIEWS FROM 2020
Metal Hammer Headline - "If you prefer your thrash old-school, you might want some of this."
Metal Hammer EP Review - "The sound these four young lads are forging is venomously sweet. In Deaths Hands is evidence of this. A four-song appetiser of an EP, the band blend slick riffs that ooze the power and danger of 80s thrash with the sensibilities of modern groove metal." Full Metal Hammer Review - Issue 333
Power Play - Rating 8/10 - "Its proper thrash that really offers nothing new to the genre, but there's an abundance of enthusiasm and vibrancy intact in each cut. The sound and production are old school crisp, if you will, allowing for the guitarts to slice you head clean off." - "I reckon these songs will go down well on stage!" Power Play Magazine Review - Issue 227
Click HERE for Noizze Review - Rating 8/10 - "Taking the thrash metal scene in their stride, Swansea based quintet Helldown have been extremely quiet since 2016’s self-titled demo. Having previously being hailed as the new wave of British thrash, it’s clear that there’s a huge precedent to be set by the band. Needless to say, new EP, In Deaths Hands, is a relentlessly aggressive ode to old school thrash metal. Comprising of 4 singles, this EP takes clear influence from the greats; channelling the body of early Metallica and Testament, with lashings of Pantera-esque riffs to create a sound that the Bay Area scene would be proud of."
Click HERE for full I'm Music Magazine Review - Rating 7.5/10 - "In Death Hands is definitely for those who love it heavy. If you are a pure metal fan, and you are into bands like Slayer and early era Metallica, you will definitely need to add this to your collection."
Click HERE for full Maximum Volume Music Review - Rating 8.5/10 - "Let’s be absolutely clear too. “In Deaths Hands” is as heavy as you like, as authentic as you please and a quite fabulous example of modern thrash metal."
Click HERE for full Ring Master Review - "Helldown have forged a sound bred on thrash, groove, and heavy metal. As the new release shows it is a potent trespass with thrash metal its instinctive fuel, one still enjoyably raw in its voice and tone to provide an edge and bite numerous like-minded bands have let escape in their growth. True uniqueness may still be absent in the band’s voracious sound but as In Deaths Hands proves it can be comfortably overlooked in the fresh trespass on offer."
Click HERE for full Uber Rock Review - "You know that Prince Harry fella? Nice guy, war hero, just moved out of his mum’s. Well there’s been rumours online that he’s a closet metalhead and digs Power Trip and Municipal Waste. If that’s true, he could do a lot worse than checking out ‘In Deaths Hands’, the new EP from Welsh thrashers Helldown. It’s a gritty and authentic four tracker, full of mosh-inducing songs and should provide a nice outlet for any anger he might be feeling next time the UK’s impartial media claim that buying avocados means his wife is basically Hitler."
Click HERE for full Musipedia of Metal Review - Rating 6/10 - "This four-track slab is perfectly enjoyable, with the production solid, adding enough crunch to the heavy riffage of Lewis Larkman and Matthew Evans, something that has been lacking for a couple of other Welsh bands in recent times."
Click HERE for the full Dead Rhetoric Review - "Helldown does bring an army of riffs with them. So while the territory feels pretty tried and true, there’s still quite a bit of energy to dig into. Plus, it’s simply a blast to crank up the volume and move right along with it."
Click HERE for full Mind Noise Network Review - Rating 7/10 - "Somehow, straight up thrash-metal seems pretty hard to come by today. Most modern thrash bands seem to be far closer to toeing the line of the classic crossover acts; incorporating hardcore and other styles to the mix. Sometimes, it is nice to be able to listen to something new that is unashamedly and totally thrash fucking metal. Sometimes, it’s nice to have bands like Helldown."
Click HERE for the full Razors Edge Review - "There is plenty to get stuck into with thick thrashy riffs, abundant levels of groove and a decent production that allows the band to express themselves."
SaN PR - "The record ejects potent sharp riffs and aggressive hollering that spews straight out from your speakers. Entwined with unrelenting energy and sophisticated dynamics, the band have created an EP that is destined to leave its mark."
REVIEWS FROM 2019
“Having come to our attention a few years back with their self titled EP, we were immediately impressed. Taking an old school, thrash metal approach and bringing it firmly up to date with their arious other influences, the band have been a breath of fresh air.” “It’s on the live stage Helldown come alive though and although having to deal with an unexpected lineup change, the band seems stronger than ever and out to prove a point. If you haven’t caught them live yet then you need to get on it quick! Helldown are going up in the world, make sure you get along for the ride (though your neck won’t thank you for it)!” – Martyn Kelly at RT Rock Show
“Unsigned and why? I always ask myself why with music of that Calabar being produced!” – Headz Up on Deal Radio
“If Anthrax and Metallica bred, you would have Helldown” - Mark Sharp at Rock Show UK
“As a Promoter for over 30 years who grew up with the classic Bay Area Thrash Scene, Helldown bring back all that was good from that era. It's rare to see a band with such talented musicians with the ability to write some classic songs with crushing riffs. Just check out their single "The Watchers" for the proof. I have worked with the band a few times, they are always 100% professional plus work and promote shows, not forgetting their established following at shows make it a special evening for sure. I can't recommend this band enough ... Their future is very bright, and I will always be happy to work with Helldown. ” - Aled Lewis at Big Day Productions
“Fat Riffs, heavy, mixed with such a powerful battery that make this track a success in its kind! Associating them with essential thrash groups is inevitable, but helldown will soon have new compositions to offer us. What to sweep the shortcuts that would forget the most important: their own music.” - One Standing FR (French Blog)
“Thrash n Groove – That’s what you’ll get from Helldown as their vid “The Watchers” will show you.” - Phil at Metallum Sub Terra
“You want old skool thrash? You got old skool thrash. Swansea four-piece HELLDOWN provide a Bay Area style banger that doesn’t so much hint at an appreciation of Slayer as scream it from the rooftops, but by God they do it well. The sort of track that could start a circle pit in an empty room, if this doesn’t get your head banging then nothing will.” - Down The Front Media
“One of the highlights of 2019 on Banks Radio Australia, amazing vocals, excellent overall music power, keeping melodious metal alive, sensational song!!” - Issac at Banks Radio (Australia)