Review by Michael on August 17, 2025.

It took German Sijjin four long years to come over with their follow-up to the debut "Sumerian Promises" which was back then a really nice surprise. Why? Well, first of all because nobody expected something after the spit-up of Necros Christos (yeah, okay, they already had released a very cool demo "Angel Of The Eastern Gate") and second, it was quite similar to what Malte and co did when they were still active as Necros Christos.

So what's up with that sophomore album "Helljjin Combat"? I must admit that this one grabbed me instantly because of the more thrash metal vibes that creep out of every hellish pore here. Not that they have increased the tempo to some neck breaking Slayer "Angel Of Death" songs but the basic riffs make clear that the guys are enjoying that stuff of music. This is what has changed most remarkably here. Maltes' vocals still sound raspy and grim, just like on the previous records. Although he might be a little bit limited when it comes to his vocal range, it matches very well to that sort of music. And of course there are still a lot of death metal elements also so, all this underlines the grimness in the music.

Technically they have improved a lot. Take for instance the opener "Fear Not The Tormentor" (which might be a nice homage to Kreator who were named Tormentor before that). First of all it is quite daring to start with such a long intro (which is a really cool stomping yet hypnotizing part) and when the "real" song starts you hear a lot of finesse when it comes to solo and breaks.

Another highly interesting and unusual song is "Religious Insanity Denies Slavery" because it kicks off with an almost progressive riff. No thrash, no death, that's pure heavy metal. In the further progress it turns into a fiendish mid-tempo waltz with cool hooks. Dark vocals underline this anti-religious song and express a lot of fury against the establishment.

In stark contrast to that one stands "Horrific Distortions" that truly kicks off with some horrific, hysterical guitar tunes. And this one won't get calmer. Although there is a catchy mid-tempo part, the band always has violent outbursts here and – like I stated in my review to its predecessor – here you can clearly hear their penchant for old Morbid Angel.

But these examples are just three of eight good songs. On "Helljijin Combat" is not to find any weaker song. This is a very intense thrash / death album that proves the uniqueness of the German-Spanish collaboration once more. Of course it isn't flawless, as I said about the little bit one-dimensional vocals but most of this sophomore album is really killer stuff. Also the production has turned out very well, balanced and warm, not too sterile and not too tinny. Great work!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 tormentors