The amalgamation of death metal and hardcore is not uncommon by any stretch; there are many bands that bring together influences from both genres. Finding a band that is connected to the hardcore scene openly embracing the label of nu-metal in 2017 is a bit more of a rarity. This is especially true when the band not only embraces, but also emphasizes the nu-metal influence.

Occvlt Hand (specifically stylized with the ‘V’) are pulling together influences from metallic hardcore, death metal and, you guessed it, 1990’s nu-metal on Not Everyone Deserves a Happy Ending. Do not let me scare you off too soon, the nod to the groove-laden minefield of nu-metal is present, but is far from the main focus of NEDAHE. The band immediately draw comparisons to So-Cal’s Xibalba and Florida’s Obituary, but Occvlt Hand prefers to keep things slow and heavy with an added doom element. The down tuned guitars and string bends bring the nu-metal vibe into play, the break down in “Long Live The New Flesh” particularly highlights the band’s nu-metal leanings.

Occvlt Hand distinguishes themselves from the pack with NEDAHE with the commitment to mid-tempo heaviness. There are brief periods where the band picks up the speed, but 98% of this record is slow and mosh oriented death metal. While I appreciate and love the groove the band uses throughout the record, some speed and diversity within the brief track listing could add some dynamics on repeated listens. That being said, the record flows nicely, and the droning wall of sound the band creates keeps me coming back for more.

Occvlt Hand are setting a bar for the genre in Canada. The band demonstrates musical ability and well-written songs with NEDAHE. While I believe some speed might add a nice spark to the heavy drone the band has created, NEDAHE is definitely a hard-hitting success for the relatively young band.