Review by Saxy S for SpiritWorld - Helldorado (2025)

I didn't go into Helldorado with the greatest of expectations. I remember this band and their 2022 album DEATHWESTERN being a very good (if a little same-y) novelty thrash album. The western/southern elements of that album appeared mostly in the lyrical content while the music itself remained quite bare. Well in 2025, Spiritworld will actually put some ambition into their music as "Abilene Grime", "Bird Song of Death" and "ANNIHILISM" show the band embracing a softer, country side.

Now, if you're expecting this album to be the thrash ladened beating of the last album, you might find Hellorado to be disappointing. But as someone who has continuously pointed out the flaws of novelty bands in the past, this might not be a bad thing for Spiritworld. It might make them a little bit more gimmicky as style changes from smooth and sultry sax solos ("Prayer Lips") back into thrash metal riffing ("Waiting on the Reaper") to black metal guest vocals on "Oblivion". However, the changeup in presentation is commendable. And it is not as if Spiritworld even needed to do this given that Hellorado is less than half-an-hour in length. For now anyways, the gimmick has not grown tired yet.

Best Songs: No Vacancy in Heaven, Bird Song of Death, Oblivion