40. Spiritworld - "Helldorado"

A short (28 minutes) sprightly record that expertly mixes metal with a Western theme. This is The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with a Slayer soundtrack. It is a take-no-prisoners, vicious record that uses its short running time to maximum effect. The Western aspect is achieved via interludes and atmospheric bursts, but it never waters down the brutality of the record. If anything, it exacerbates the harshness, making it clear. Regarding westerns, this is firmly Django, as opposed to Bonanza. A brilliantly evocative record that doesn’t outstay its welcome.