The big Xbox Game Pass release of this week (unless we get any other surprises) is undoubtedly Metal: Hellsinger, which launches day one on Game Pass this Thursday, and is definitely worth sinking some time into.

With its Game Pass announcement being sprung on us quite suddenly last week, we thought we'd put together a little guide about what to expect from the game, including details on its soundtrack and what the critics have been saying!

What Is Metal: Hellsinger?

Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS that has a lot in common with Bethesda's DOOM series, although this time the focus is on performing actions to the beat of the soundtrack, increasing your destructive abilities as you do so.

Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS, where your ability to shoot on the beat will enhance your gameplay experience. The more in sync you are with the rhythm, the more intense the music will become and the more destruction you will cause.

Play through an epic storyline, narrated by award-winning actor Troy Baker. Then conquer the leaderboards or challenge your friends to beat your score in Challenge Mode.

How Long Does It Take To Beat Metal: Hellsinger?

It seems like it depends on how you play the game. Based on our experience on the Goat difficulty setting (the default) in Metal: Hellsinger, it took us around eight hours to get through everything including the Torment trials.

Some other reviewers have mentioned they've been able to get through it much quicker - anything from four to seven hours - so be aware your mileage may vary. Again, it depends on how you want to play.

Is Metal: Hellsinger On Xbox One?

At the moment, Metal: Hellsinger is only confirmed for Xbox Series X, Series S, PS5 and PC.

What Songs Are In The Metal: Hellsinger Soundtrack?

Every track in Metal: Hellsinger is created specifically for the game, but there are some major artists lending vocals to the songs including Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Matt Heafy (Trivium), Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquility), Bjorn Strid (Soilwork), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) and James Dorton (Black Crown Initiate).

You can hear a snippet of the Serj Tankian track in the video above.

What Are The Reviews Saying About Metal: Hellsinger?

The good news is that the reviews have been very positive on the whole about Metal: Hellsinger so far, including here at Pure Xbox where we gave it an "Excellent" 9/10 rating! Here are some examples of reviews across the web:

"Metal Hellsinger is a slick and addictive rhythm FPS with style and attitude to spare. With shooter action that's heavily reminiscent of Bethesda's 2016 DOOM reboot mashed together with superbly well-realised rhythm game aspects that enhance the core combat experience, this is a fiendishly satisfying arcade game that sucks you right into its twisted hellscapes and refuses to let you go. Get ready for some super-sweaty Heavy Metal vengeance."

"Metal: Hellsinger is an incredibly well-realised concept, packed to bursting with excellent music, unique weapons and a gameplay loop that’s instantly addictive. It’s a game that we’ll keep installed for a long time, even beyond the point of completion, as the chase of higher and higher scores against your mates is so engaging."

"Metal: Hellsinger is a good time, if not a short time. Hard as nails, rewarding as they come, and fuelled by some of the best names in heavy music, The Outsider and Funcom have made a game that’s worth every second of your time it takes up – even if that’s only about the length of one of the more epic prog albums out there."

Metal: Hellsinger is an enjoyably rhythmic riff on the metal-propelled mayhem of modern Doom, but its short length and modest variety in weapons and boss fights means it feels more like an energetic but unfinished collection of garage demos than a fully fleshed-out album.

How To Pre-Install Metal: Hellsinger On Xbox Game Pass

You can pre-install Metal: Hellsinger on Xbox Game Pass right now by heading to the Xbox Game Pass app on your console or a mobile device and simply hitting "pre-install". If you're not having any luck doing that, try the standard Xbox app on an Android or iOS device, search for the name of the game, and then select "download to console".

Don't forget that Metal: Hellsinger also has a free demo you can try right now on Xbox Series X and S!

What Is Metal: Hellsinger's Release Date On Xbox Game Pass?

Metal: Hellsinger releases this Thursday, September 15th on Xbox Game Pass.

The release times are 1am PDT / 4am EST / 9am BST / 10am CEST.

Are you looking forward to trying out Metal: Hellsinger on Xbox Game Pass? Let us know below.

Excited For Metal: Hellsinger?