The number of bands influenced by both Hellhammer and Amebix is to numerous to catalogue. Their respective spheres of influence rang far and wide encompassing Black Metal to Death Metal to lord knows whatever else Metal, basically any genre you'd care to name there is the likelihood that you'll find a reference or two thrown into the liner notes on more one albums credits.

Gallhammer, an all female Japanese Hellhammer hybrid are the latest in a long line to add their name to the list of devotees. Japan being more famed for it's technological than it's contribution to Metal, however all this could change with Gallhammer who are sure to evoke a great deal of curiosity and attention with their debut release "Ill Innocence". If you cut through the mêlée of people clambering to jump on the proverbial bandwagon to cover the latest 'thing' and focus on Gallhammer as a musical entity, and not an all girl crust band, and an all Japanese crust band at that, but three people looking to emulate their heroes, what do Gallhammer offer?

"Ill Innocence" in it's entirety is a coherent homage to the bands collective influences from start to end. The Hellhammer influence above all under pins everything that is good about this record and stands out like wearing a luminous balaclava in the dead of night, but the crust, almost punkish stylings provide a balance and ensures the album shies away from being labeled one dimensional. The bands use of almost clashing styles, sounds and tempo gives the album it's vibrancy and a case of 'expect the unexpected'. The transition between "Speed Of Blood" to "Blind My Eyes" are pieced together seamlessly, but stylistically as different as night and day. All held together by the common thread of bands love of Satanic Slaughter and his not so merry men.

"Ill Innocence" is not a perfect album and there are of course areas where one could pick away at, but like picking a scab; it is often painful and serves no purpose. "Ill Innocence" is an interesting twist on some old ideals and ideas reworked to mold a new and vibrant "Triumph of Death" for 2007.