Saddle up, crank the volume, and let Spiritworld take you on a journey with Helldorado as they drag you through their hellish, dust-covered frontier.

Words by Felix Bartlett | March 21, 2025

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Just when you thought the twisted world of Spiritworld couldn’t get any better their latest offering Helldorado grabs you by the collar and drags you into a saloon brawl, leaving you bloodied but grinning after a short but banging 29-minutes of mayhem. Stu Folsom, the band’s Nudie-suited mastermind, has long been crafting a demonic Wild West mythology through his music and novels, and with this third album, Spiritworld finally fully embraces its identity as the ultimate deathwestern band. Helldorado is a blistering, genre-defying ride that marries evil thrash, hardcore, and outlaw country into a cohesive and thrilling narrative.

The album opens with ‘Abilene Grime’, a track that sets the tone perfectly beginning with a haunting organ and a rockabilly riff before exploding into a Slayer-esque onslaught of speed and fury. This seamless blend of Western twang and metallic aggression is a recurring theme throughout the album, showcasing Spiritworld’s growth in integrating their high-concept aesthetic with their music. Tracks like ‘No Vacancy In Heaven’ and ‘Western Stars & The Apocalypse’ deliver the relentless, pit-stomping energy fans have come to expect, but it’s the unexpected moments that truly elevate Helldorado.

‘Bird Song of Death’ is a standout, with its gang vocals and outlaw country swagger, evoking images of cowboys raising hell in a dusty saloon at the end of the world. Meanwhile, ‘Prayer Lips’ surprises with its tender, almost ballad-like quality, complete with twangy guitars and a soulful saxophone solo. It’s a moment of vulnerability amidst the chaos, proving that Spiritworld isn’t afraid to take risks. The guest appearances on ‘Oblivion’ (featuring Blackbraid’s Sgah’gahsowáh and Rise Against’s Zach Blair) and ‘Stigmata Scars’ (with Kreator’s Frederic Leclercq) add further depth, but it’s Folsom who steals the show with his gruff vocals and storytelling prowess.

The album closes with ‘Annihilism’, a folksy, introspective track that feels like a campfire lament under a star-filled sky. It’s a bold choice for a closer, but it works brilliantly, leaving listeners with a sense of both closure and anticipation for what’s next.

Helldorado fully embraces the band’s identity and continues to push its boundaries without losing sight of what makes it unique. Spiritworld has carved out a niche that’s entirely their own, blending the brutality of thrash metal with the storytelling of the Wild West. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Helldorado is a ride worth taking. Saddle up, crank the volume, and let Spiritworld take you on a journey through their hellish, dust-covered frontier.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀

For fans of: Slayer, Power Trip, Obituary

Helldorado is released on March 21 via Century Media