HITTEN – Twist Of Fate

Hitten’s 3^rd full-length album since forming in 2011 redefines the band’s sound with a new vocalist. They admit it’s difficult to find a new vocalist, and say this vocalist sings perfectly in low range and can go for insanely high-pitched screams. Unfortunately “going for” and actually delivering a high-pitched scream which isn’t cringe-worthy is difficult. Hitten needs to continue the search.

While the production and mix are inoffensive, the repeated doses of the vocalist’s overreaching wail builds resentment the longer one listens. After opening with three straight examples of vocal excess, you may find yourself distracted to the point of missing the flakes of Metal gold dust that pan out. During “Twist Of Fate” and “Rocking Out The City” listen for the dueling guitar bridges which provide some sparkle. Listening to the tracks separate from one another helps glean value. “Flight To Freedom” is one of the rare times when the vocalist remains comfortably within his range and doesn’t distract the listener. The album highlight “On The Run” veers into Power Metal territory with insistent riffs and measured vocals delivering an attention-grabbing chorus.

The band cites influences such as Accept, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon and Metal Church, but there is little resemblance. Twist Of Fate hearkens to the halcyon days of Hair Metal’s dominance when bands were signed by the score and churned out mediocre Melodic Metal by the pound. Hitten is decades late in trying to catch that wave.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 4, 7)

1. Take it All (4:27)
2. Final Warning (4:25)
3. Twist of Fate (4:21)
4. Flight to Freedom (4:33)
5. Svccvbvs (1:11)
6. Evil Within (5:28)
7. On the Run (4:34)
8. In the Heat of the Night (4:15)
9. Rocking Out the City (4:42)
10. Heroes (6:14)

LINEUP

Alexx Panza – Vocals
Dani Meseguer – Guitars
Johnny Lorca – Guitar
Satan – Bass
John Synhx – Drums