Having a singer who can switch between hardcore screaming and melodic singing has become the standard for many metal bands of the early 21st century -- and Matthew McChesney is the gentleman who lends his vocal charm to
Hell Within. But while most screamer/singers usually replicate hardcore barking as their "scream" choice, death metal growling can be detected in McChesney's vocals during the heavy parts (while for the melodic bits,
Scott Weiland-esque vocals come to mind at times).
Hell Within's third release overall, 2007's
Shadows of Vanity, sees the group break in a new drummer without missing a beat, as metal and melody crash head on throughout, especially on such tracks as "The Spiral," "Between the Dead and the Deceived," and the title track. While not the most original metal release of 2007,
Shadows of Vanity shows that
Hell Within can certainly hold their own against the competition on Headbangers Ball. ~ Greg Prato