Hey Colossus releases new album “Heaven Was Wild”

Hey Colossus made a significant impact with their debut album, Hey Colossus Hates You, in 2004, gaining recognition for their unique blend of psychedelic and hardcore sounds. Positioned at the core of the noise rock movement, the band established themselves as purveyors of raw, authentic music fueled by intense passion.

Fast forward more than twenty years, and Hey Colossus has evolved, shifting toward a more alternative sound and stepping away from their earlier punk roots. Following a brief hiatus, the band surprised fans with the announcement of their latest record, Heaven Was Wild, accompanied by a mini-documentary released on Christmas Day last year.

Throughout their career, Hey Colossus has built a substantial discography, boasting 14 studio albums characterized by the raw energy of noise rock and psychedelic influences. However, with Heaven Was Wild, the band takes a departure from their usual intensity, opting for a more melodic approach. While this shift marks a new creative direction for the group, loyal fans may find themselves reminiscing about the fervor of their earlier work.

Heaven Was Wild exudes a more upbeat vibe compared to its predecessor, In Blood, resonating with an indie-era nostalgia permeated by distorted guitars and obscured vocals. The album flows seamlessly from the opening track, “Cannibal Forecast,” to “Roses,” maintaining a consistent buzz of electric guitar and sultry vocals by Paul Sykes, evoking a sense of immersion that envelops listeners in a rich sonic experience.

As the record concludes with “The Spiders Lane,” a sense of ambiguity lingers, reminiscent of indie shoegaze aesthetics. While the track showcases a delicate quality, it may come across as somewhat monotonous, lacking the grandiose finale one would expect from a closing song on an album.

Overall, Heaven Was Wild presents a mixed bag of moments, such as the captivating “People You Long to Forget” with its menacing chorus and the post-punk grit of “You’ll Rot.” However, the tracks often blend together, leaving listeners yearning for the distinct sound that defined Hey Colossus in their early years.

In essence, Hey Colossus’ latest offering may not reach the heights of their previous work, but it offers a glimpse into the band’s evolution and artistic experimentation. With a newfound sense of joy and a hint of swagger, Heaven Was Wild showcases Hey Colossus’ versatility while leaving room for reflection on their pioneering noise rock roots.