by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist —
Now here’s an interesting item unearthed by the Divebomb label as part of their Bootcamp series spotlighting rare and forgotten demo recordings. The Hidden was a short-lived project put together by four veterans of the Swedish metal scene – bassist Patrik Sporrong (ex-Midas Touch), drummer Matte Modin (ex-Defleshed), guitarist Peter Laitnen (ex-Imperial Domain) and vocalist/guitarist Teddy Moller (Loch Vostok, Wuthering Heights). The band played classic style speed/thrash metal and they had a major fixation on aliens and the unexplained, so it’s only fitting that the band’s tale of why their 2000 demo recordings never saw the light of day is worthy of an X-Files episode.
Whatever the reason (the truth is out there!), nearly 14 years later we finally get to hear the lost recordings of The Hidden with Fearful Symmetry. You may be thinking: “alien-obsessed speed metal? These guys are going to sound like Agent Steel.” You’d be 100% correct. This is pure, unadulterated Agent Steel worship, and it is awesome. Modin and Sporrong set a breakneck pace, and Moller and Laitnen match it with lightning fast riffs and wicked solos. Moller also delivers high pitched vocals straight out of the ‘80s, completing that classic vibe.
The Hidden never set out to reinvent the wheel. This was four friends having a good time playing classic metal, and they did it really well. Fans of old school speed metal – especially Agent Steel but also bands like Hirax, Apocrypha, Helstar and Exciter – will get a huge kick out of The Hidden. If you like your riffs fast and your vocals high, give Fearful Symmetry a try. Keep an eye out for the Men in Black though.
Edition Notes: Divebomb’s 2014 release of Fearful Symmetry features new cover artwork, a full booklet and newly mastered audio by Jamie King. It, like the other Bootcamp titles, looks and sounds terrific.
Genre: Thrash Metal, Speed Metal
Lineup:
Teddy Moller (v) (g)
Peter Laitnen (g)
Matte Modin (d)
Patrik Sporrong (b)
Track Listing:
1. Cut Your Wrist (Bleed You Poser)
2. N. 25th St. Apt. 213
3. For Gods Ache
4. Fearful Symmetry
5. Far Beyond Us
6. Rager/Reaper
7. World Made Flesh (187)
8. Unstoppable Apocalypse
9. Reality O.D.
10. Life Remains Insane (Terminus Macabre)
Label: Divebomb Records
Website: www.facebook.com/thehiddenthrash
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10
