They hail from Gothenburg, Sweden. They are young, hungry, and full of ideas. They like their metal aggressive and fast, and it’s clear they grew up worshipping the Bay Area thrash legends. Their name is Hostilia — a new, promising thrash metal force, now signed to Hammerheart Records. After releasing a handful of singles and two EPs, the band is finally here with their debut full-length album, “Face the Fire”. And let me tell you: if you are into thrash metal, you’re about to discover your next obsession. “Face the Fire” is an album that attacks with no hesitation and takes absolutely no prisoners. The band goes straight for the jugular — the riffs are razor-sharp and ferocious, the rhythm section hits with the weight of a steel hammer, and the vocals are delivered with pure fire and urgency. Hostilia don’t just play thrash metal; they ignite thrash metal. Across the album, you will encounter monster riffs, catchy and explosive choruses, and lead guitar work that is both melodic and scorching. There are no fillers here — only relentless, adrenaline-fueled thrash metal hymns. While their roots are firmly in the old-school style, their songwriting is fresh, passionate and full of youthful fury. Hostilia know exactly how to channel the spirit of Metallica, Testament, Exodus and Sacred Reich, while still carving out their own identity. “Face the Fire” answers a question many metalheads have quietly asked: Is there still hope for real thrash metal today? The answer is a resounding yes, and it comes straight from Sweden. Hostilia grab you by the throat and drag you headfirst into a thrash metal paradise. The only question that remains is: are you ready to follow these fierce, loud and unapologetic newcomers into the fire?
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
