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Album Reviews : Hell Or Highwater – Vista

By on May 20, 2017

Around the time that Atreyu went on hiatus back in 2011, their drummer/clean singer Brandon Saller formed a band called The Black Cloud Collective, the name was later changed to Hell or Highwater and they went on to release their debut album Begin Again in the same year. With Atreyu reforming a few years ago fans were unsure if there’d ever be another Hell or Highwater album after the band was put on hold. It’s great to see that there is a sophomore album which is called Vista and I’ll tell you now, it’s a bloody great album.

With songs like Dame, I Want It All and Don’t Stop Get Up (which are catchy as hell) and the opening number, Colors, full of big drums and guitars, it’s hard to pick stand out tracks. It certainly seems like this album was very inspired by eighties rock with powerful choruses and roaring guitar riffs.

It’s hard not to compare Hell or Highwater to Atreyu when they share a singer. The obvious difference here is, Saller takes all of the vocals rather than share them with Atreyu frontman Alex Varkatzas. The other main difference is Hell or Highwater are a very straightforward rock band which really suits Saller’s voice as he steps out from behind the drum kit to be front of stage.

This is one of those rare albums where there isn’t a bad or disappointing song on it. Each song is as good, if not better, than the previous one. I hope Vista launches Hell or Highwater to be a much bigger band than what they currently are because they deserve to be. Do yourself a favour and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Band: Hell or Highwater
Album: Vista
Year: 2017
Genre: Hard Rock
Label: Spinefarm Records
Origin: USA

About

Matt Barton loves all things rock and metal. Everyone from Slipknot to The Living End. He enjoys going to gigs and discovering new music. Matt also writes for Heavy Mag and is currently attempting to write his debut novel.