ALBUM REVIEW: Return To Hellview – 96 Bitter Beings

96 BITTER BEINGS are back with a new take on some CKY classics. The band was formed in 2016 after CKY frontman Deron Miller left the group, heading out on a new musical adventure. This second phase of his career has seen the creation of two albums and a brand new offering Return To Hellview. The latest project features nine songs from CKY‘s back catalogue, all of which have been re-recorded and updated.

On one hand, artists are free to create as they see fit and if they don’t like elements of their early work, they can simply change them. However, over the years, fans have grown attached to those songs. So, perhaps naturally, they’ll question the purpose of the changes. Cynically, some may even wonder whether re-releasing old material with an electronic facelift is nothing but a cash grab. With regard to Return To Hellview in particular, these questions have been amplified.

During his time at the CKY helm, Miller and the band were criticised for a lack of progression in their sound and often re-treading the same ground. The truth of the matter is that releasing an album of old songs, under a band name taken from an old song, under an album title also from an old song, will do little to beat those allegations. Speaking to Metal Injection ahead of the album’s release Miller said many of the changes wouldn’t be noticed by most listeners, and therein lies the problem.

Several songs such as Inhuman Creation Station, The Way You Lived and Suddenly Tragic are true to that premise. The production is better, and everything sounds sharper and better balanced but is that enough? The songs remain essentially the same. Hardcore fans will pick up on nuances here and there, but casual listeners will wonder what the fuss is about. Although, that’s not to say there aren’t areas where the band have been a little more experimental. On Flesh Into Gear, the vocals are dramatically different with several different effects utilised to try and shake things up. But all that does is create a cluttered and messy final mix, with sections of the song sounding unfinished.

Despite this, there are moments when Miller‘s creative vision for the project clicks. The updated version of Sink Into The Underground has so much more life and vitality than the original. The song feels more focused and the sharper production lifts it significantly. It’s a similar story with Tripled Manic State. The track is heavier and carries more urgency than ever before, and the tweaks have actively given it a fresh spark. Elsewhere, Shippensburg and Depressed In Decay remain good fun. The only real criticism is the vocal production on the latter which makes it sound like Miller is singing underwater.

Since the formation of CKY in the late 90s, Miller has built up a cult following. The band was never the biggest, but it held a special place in the hearts of fans and Miller spoke to those souls that didn’t quite fit in. As a result, fans will arrive at Return To Hellview with all the goodwill in the world. And there are moments when that goodwill will be rewarded, but they’re few and far between.

To a degree, this album highlights the struggle between fanbase and artist. On a personal level, the songs now sound exactly how Deron Miller wants them. But subtle production tweaks and one man’s quest for perfection don’t give fans the excitement they crave. Return To Hellview is a personal passion project, but for many, that won’t be enough.

Rating: 5/10

Return To Hellview is set for release on June 14th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Like 96 BITTER BEINGS on Facebook.