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

Psycho Beets

Horrendum
Trash Wax, White Riot Records (2026)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Mam w sobie diabła”, “Zombie”, “Listopadowa noc”, “Porque te vas” Fancy some Polish psychobilly punk? Well, you’re in luck. This is for anyone who takes their classic rock ’n’ roll swing with a heavy dose of horror and dark Western twang, blending rockabilly elements with Slavic folk and chaotic yet mysterious post punk -– all as the … Read more

Manicdotes

Eight Lives Down
Independent (2026)

The chemicals are rushing right out of the gate on this one. You start with a cigarette and dive straight into Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, to the lay person) to calm your nerves from that nicotine rush. This album starts off with a raucous acoustic punk number that will leave you craving more. So, it’s a good thing it’s only the first … Read more

Maruja

Pain to Power
Music For Nations (2025)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Look Down on Us”, “Born to Die”, “Break the Tension”, “Trenches” Ahead of their 100 Club appearance this September, Maruja’s latest release, 2025’s debut album Pain to Power – following a slew of six EPs, reveals awe-inspiring experimental rock clashed with muddy yet always melodious free jazz. Eclectic would be putting it mildly. In amongst all that, … Read more