Review / 200 Words Or Less
Hell Within
Shadows of Vanity

Lifeforce (2007) Kevin Fitzpatrick

Hell Within – Shadows of Vanity cover artwork
Hell Within – Shadows of Vanity — Lifeforce, 2007

Taken verbatim from the initial notes of the reviewer: Starts out promisingly enough with Derek Jay beating the snare like he just caught it pooching his wife. Same energy as early Metallica (hey kids! remember them?). Vocalist reminiscent of the Avenged Sevenfold dude. Christ, I hope he looks cooler.)

The song being referred to is the opening and title track "Shadows of Vanity". To call Hell Within the ultimate Headbanger's Ball band would not be a compliment. To say it should be the ultimate Headbanger's Ball band would be more apt, because as anyone who watches the show can attest to, it's become a not-so-delightful mélange of Ozzfest castoffs and sound-alikes that hardly has one rushing to the music shop to pick up the latest and greatest. Hell Within could very well be the next savior of heaviness. Crisp, suitable production, slightly above average vocals (possibly improved by a recent singer-sacking) minimal (yet sadly, still existent) breakdowns but surrounded by some of the best riffs this side of the last Exodus album make this one of the few albums you can really bust out the mosh to.

Hell Within – Shadows of Vanity cover artwork
Hell Within – Shadows of Vanity — Lifeforce, 2007

Related news

Thorp Signs Hell Within

Posted in Labels on October 30, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Place Position

Went Silent
Blind Rage Records, Bunker Park, Poptek, Sweet Cheetah (2026)

There’s a certain kind of band that makes sense immediately once you see them live. Place Position is one of those bands. Before Went Silent ever landed on my speakers, I caught them at a show I played in Dayton, and they were the kind of band that quietly steals the night. There were no theatrics, no posturing, just total … Read more

Twenty One Children

After The Storm EP
Slovenly (2025)

Hailing and wailing from Soweto, South Africa, rising from the ashes After The Storm comes pounding like a fierce berg wind. Don’t let this trigger your ancraophobia; they are only here (hear) to rip your sagging, middle-aged flesh from your living corpsicle sonically. Ah, Daddy—yes, Son—tell us about a time when punk was raw, dangerous, and would generally stomp your … Read more

Awful Din

Anti Body
We’re Trying Records (2026)

There’s a certain honesty that only comes from bands who’ve spent years playing to half-filled rooms, basements with bad wiring, and bars where the PA is optional. ANTI BODY, the new LP from Brooklyn emo punks Awful Din, sounds like it was built in those spaces. Not as a gimmick, but as lived experience. This is a record that feels … Read more