Album Review: Kate's Acid - Hellbender
Reviewed by Richard Oliver
Back in 1980, speed metal landed in mainland Europe and in the unlikely location of Bruges in Belgium. One of if not the first European speed metal bands, Acid, was born and released a run of three albums - “Acid”, “Maniac” and “Engine Beast” - between 1983 and 1985. Unfortunately Acid disbanded in 1985 but cemented their legacy and cult status as one of those influential yet long forgotten metal acts from the 1980’s. Legacy, influence and cult status are defining factors within the metal world and in 2019 Acid returned from the dead but with only singer Kate De Lombaert and drummer Anvill returning from the original line up. Unfortunately this version of Acid did not last with Kate going her own separate way and forming her own iteration of the band - Kate’s Acid - performing at Keep It True Festival in Germany in 2021 and 2023 with the latter performance captured for the live album “Blowing Your Ears Off”. Kate “wanted to make a new studio album for a very long time, but did not find the right musicians” but in 2026 the Acid legacy finally continues with new album “Hellbender”.
“Hellbender” dives straight back into that 1980’s heavy metal sound with speed and power mixing alongside strong melodies and catchy hooks. Songs such as the title track, ‘The Lightning Conductor’, ‘Do Not Burn The Witch’ and ‘Valkyrie’ are on the speedier side and gallop along with power and fury whilst ‘Taking Back My Wings’, ‘Riding Out’ and ‘Stormchaser’ are muscular and anthemic old school heavy metal. ‘Buccaneers’ is a bit more on the hard rock side of things whilst the album finishes in a softer style with ‘Air Raid’ which is something a bit different for Acid. Whilst Kate may be the only one from the original Acid days, she has assembled a fine bunch of musicians to carry forth her vision. Geert Annys is on guitar, Camilo ‘Thunder Screamer’ Ortega on bass and Ash on drums and they perfectly compliment the powerhouse vocals of Kate who sounds just as good as she did 40 years ago.
“Hellbender” doesn’t reinvent the steel in any way and, aside from a modern production, is a definite callback to the heavy metal of the 1980’s. This still slaps though and is a great bunch of songs guaranteed to please those who appreciate the classic metal sound. Whether you regard this as a continuation of Acid or a new band featuring the former singer, “Hellbender” is a great 37 minutes of fist pumping heavy metal goodness.
