One of Germany’s most consistent bands returns with its eighth album. Disbelief, since its formation, back in 1990, has kept the same, individual style despite any member changes. They have done many live shows with bands as Slayer, Sepultura, Bolt Thrower, Anthrax, Crowbar but haven’t achieved to make it big.

“Protected Hell” isn’t an album that will differ things for them. It’s a quality record, in their high standards, but if their past releases wouldn’t do it then this one won’t, either. If Katatonia were more aggressive, Paradise Lost less melancholic and Opeth had shorter track lengths then they would sound close to these Germans. Their strong element is the up-tempo, groovy parts with the killer riffs that distinguish them from the bands mentioned above. On the other hand, some ideas are maybe repeated more than needed; still a 5 minute track isn’t that long.

The production is done by Michael Mainx, who had also done “Navigator” and mix by well-known Tue Madsen. Tip for the record labels: maybe selling this band as death metal places it out of competition in the genre. If you like passionate metal with sorrow and grief but not lacking… guts then just try them.