Spiritworld is back and leaning hard into some cowboy shit. They experimented with it on Deathwestern, but multiple conversations afterward with friends concluded that Wayfarer released the album Deathwestern should have been. In hindsight, I’m not so sure that’s the case, but Helldorado could be.

What stands out over their previous album is the commitment. Whereas Deathwestern toyed with the Western elements, Helldorado fucks, then cuddles with them. It’s going to be odd mentioning the last track first, “Annihilism,” but it’s my review. The guitars are appropriately country, but this is outlaw-inspired, with the vocals focusing on vengeance. If you hadn’t heard any of the previous tracks, there’s not much of a chance you’d connect it, or so one would think.

However, a little earlier, “Prayer Lips” is fully in ballad territory. The vocals are sung, or more appropriately whispered. The catchy chorus will bring you back multiple times, which is something that can be said for the rest of the album.

I mentioned before the combination of elements, which can be found in the opener, “Abilene Grime.” It’s easy to recognize not only the guitars but the slightly different vocal approach, which simply works. At around halfway, we get a turn into Pagan Rhythms territory. It’s a scorcher and indeed is an appropriate harbinger.

That turns almost immediately and effortlessly into “No Vacancy in Heaven,” which is one of the heaviest tracks. The chorus is as catchy as the herps, and it’s forceful. It’s one of the best hooks the band has ever written, doesn’t feel out of place in the experience, and reminds the listener of their roots. The solo almost doesn’t fit, but damn if that isn’t also one of the best grooves of the band’s career.

Perhaps my favorite track on the album (because there’s one even better than the one I just mentioned) is “Bird Song of Death.” The twangy, country chords don’t go away, while the chorus is also another of the best hooks Spiritworld has ever written. Before the final refrain, the snare is replaced by clapping, and is a build for another earworm chorus, complete with some well-placed “Whoa, ohhs.”

I am floored by this for multiple reasons. Firstly, I’ve been out of the loop a bit in the metal world going back to late last year, and had no idea Spiritworld had a new one on the way. When one of my fellow writers informed me of the new single, I forgot about it for a day or two and checked it out. It was mostly background noise at work, but when I received the full promo, I was blown away on first listen. I had the immediate thought, “This could be my album of the year.”

Before I started writing, I wanted to listen to it far more to see if that was the case or if it was some sort of recency bias. A couple of weeks later, I can confirm that is far from the case, as not only has the initial feeling endured, but I continue to pick out new top-notch qualities with each listen. I only have two albums on my album of the year shortlist (hence the name), and Helldorado is one of them. Well fucking done, gentleman!

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