I never really understood why this band was tagged with the label “hipster metal,” as if their music was any more false than any of the other of the hard rock/metal that is being made at this particular time. Maybe this has to do with the fact that they are on Kemado and they play a more retro style of metal, but c’mon give them a break. After all, the very non-hipster metal group Down has taken the band out on three tours and Phil Anselmo has also joined them on stage recently to do a smoking cover of Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath.” Plus, they have the backing of Dennis Dread, the uber-cult artist behind the artwork for some of the recent Darkthrone albums. Maybe they are hearing something the self-appointed defenders of the true aren’t hearing, because if you judge the band by their recorded output this is some very cool retro-influenced riff rock.

On their newest record, the band lays off the synths just a bit (they are still on here though), focusing more on the guitars and delivers the best record of their career. “Hemisphere Of Shadows” is filled with their patented killer riffs, stinging solos, and a slight glam rock strut that makes the band stand out in a field that has been often crowded with pretenders.

Album opener “Shoot Straight With A Crooked Gun” sets the tone early with its lean, muscular riffs and heroic solos by Gregory Meleney (formerly known as Dusty Sparkles). From there, they engage in the glammy hard rock stomp of “I Am The Skull” and up the pace with “Riding Hood.” But one thing that connects all the songs on this album together, besides the excellent songwriting, is the dedication to writing memorable riffs and crafting killer solos that would definitely be manna from heaven to your inner hesher.

So, if all of this doesn’t convince you, then I guess you will never be convinced, but this is some serious hard rock action that you shouldn’t skip out on, labels be damned.

It’s time to think outside the box and enjoy.

(Kemado Records, 87 Guernsey Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222)