Bitterness - Hallowed Be the Game Review
Thrash metal trio Bitterness has been a fixture in Germany's underground metal scene since 2002, and despite their long-standing anonymity, they're ready to unleash their eighth full-length album, 'Hallowed Be the Game'. In a country that birthed the iconic 'Big Teutonic 4' (Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, and Tankard) and some endearing second-tier bands (Exumer, Holy Moses, Paradox, and Living Death), standing out takes grit and determination. Bitterness has both, and they're ready to shine. With Megadeth's recent Billboard 200 success and Kreator's chart-topping album, thrash metal is having a moment. But can Bitterness keep the flame burning through the colder months?
Bitterness plays mid-level neothrash, blending At the Gates-style melodeath with 2000s Kreator-core. Since introducing a mascot - blindfolded Jesus, who resembles Snake Plissken - they've leaned further into their thrash roots. Frank Urschler's riffs are fast and furious, ranging from breakneck speeds on tracks like 'WWH8' and 'Hallowed Be the Game' to the relentless 'Hypochristianity'. His vocals, a mix of Petrozza (Kreator), Souza (Exodus), and Ellsworth (Overkill), fit the band's sound perfectly. Andreas Kiechle's drumming keeps the rhythm tight, while Marcel Konz's bass lines provide the foundation. Despite their strong execution, 'Hallowed Be the Game' isn't without its flaws.
The album's first half is heavy and well-executed, with the Kreatoric one-two punch of 'WWH8' and 'AMOK:KOMA' showcasing their riffing prowess. Urschler's vocals shine in their Petrozza-like delivery. However, the second half falters, with 'Magnum Innominandum' dragging on for nearly eight minutes, lacking dynamic variation. The cover of Graves-era Misfits' 'Scream!' feels unnecessary and padding. The album's overall feel is silly, with childish wordplay in song titles. This doesn't align with the light-hearted spirit of bands like Tankard and Municipal Waste.
'Hallowed Be the Game' is an average album, neither particularly good nor bad. It's like a casual hangout with a college buddy, fun for a short while but not a serious relationship. While die-hard thrashers might enjoy it, it didn't capture my interest beyond this review. I'll be revisiting Kreator's latest instead. Despite its flaws, the album has its moments, but it's not a breakthrough.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: G.U.C. (https://guc-area.de.tl/)
Websites: Bandcamp (https://bitterness-thrash.bandcamp.com/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bitternessthrash) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bitternessthrash)
Releases Worldwide: February 6th, 2026
