The modern metal of All Hail the Yeti is back with their second full length album, “Screams From a Black Wilderness,” available via Minus Head Records. The new record is a concept album of classic campfire horror stories with each track taking on a different story.
“Before the Flames” opens things up with sounds of children screaming and includes a soft piano as a child’s voice reads a letter home to her parents asking them to put out the fire. It’s dark and ominous with brutal guitars and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Working with producer Matt Hyde (Deftones, Slayer), the record is heavier but still is hook heavy with plenty of underlying grooves. The contrast between the barbaric screams of vocalist Connor Garritty and the clean harmonies of bassist Nicholas Diltz is top notch throughout. Don’t miss the adrenaline fueled “Mr. Murder” featuring Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists or the stoner rock vibe of “Angels Envy.” The guitar of Alan Stokes is both blistering and beautiful and Ryan “Junior” Kittlitz is a force to be reckoned with behind the kit. One of the most interesting songs on the record is All Hail the Yeti’s take on the classic Wizard of Oz rhyme with the sing-song feel of “Witch is Dead.”
“Screams From a Black Wilderness” is merciless and melodic, a powerful statement that shows what the band is truly capable of. This summer, gather up your friends around the campfire and let the stories begin, All Hail the Yeti style.
