heavy-metal-darkness: Kate's Acid |Hellbender |High Roller Records

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Kate's Acid |Hellbender |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Speed Metal
Country Belgium

Acid started tearing up Bruges in 1980 and helped write the rulebook for European speed metal. They pumped out essential full-lengths like "Acid" and "Maniac" before packing it in during the mid-80s. Fast forward to 2019, and vocalist Kate De Lombaert decided it was time to bash some skulls again. She rounded up a new gang under the Kate's Acid banner. After dropping a live tape a couple of years back, the crew finally unleashed "Hellbender" via High Roller Records.

The current line-up brings some serious fire to the table. Geert Annys throws down frantic guitar solos that shred through the speakers. The rhythm section consisting of drummer Ash and bassist Camilo Ortega lays down a thunderous, head-banging groove. "Hellbender" is loaded with fast-paced thrashers and heavy metal anthems. "The Lightning Conductor" is an absolute scorcher that demands furious moshing. "Riding Out" acts as a total biker anthem built for highway speeding and spilling cheap beer.

Kate's voice is totally savage and rules the entire album. She howls over the distortion and proves she has not lost a single step since the early days. "Do Not Burn The Witch" delivers killer riffs and a huge chorus destined for rowdy crowd sing-alongs. The band even threw in a slower song called "Air Raid" at the end of the tracklist. This ballad goes deep into heavy emotion and breaks up the fast pace, offering a gloomy change of scenery.

"Hellbender" brings the noise and gives old school headbangers what they crave. It is a raging speed metal attack with plenty of dirt under its fingernails. Kate's Acid delivered a badass comeback album that absolutely shreds. Play it loud and break your neck in the pit.

Score: 8.3