ALBUM REVIEW: HATRED REIGNS 'REALM I: AFFLICTION' (EP)
Over the past few months, we have been introduced to a growing scene of death metal bands emerging in Ottawa Canada. Adding themselves to this ever expanding roster of acts is quintet ‘Hatred Reigns’ who have recently released their debut EP ‘Realm I: Affliction’. Like many of their contemporaries, it is clear from the outset that there is more to ‘Hatred Reigns’ than just your run of the mill high distortion and low pitched growling. Experimenting with time signatures and an overly generous dosage of riffs ‘Hatred Reigns’ are ambitious to say the least.
Over the course of the three song EP, they take more twists and turns than some bands do in their entire career which serves as both a positive and a negative. What is commendable in ambition, can also been seen as somewhat detrimental at points as the quintet run dangerously close to over saturating their sound. This is most evident on opening track ‘In Anguish’ which is packed to the brim with delicious riffs that are often not given enough air to breath. In fairness to ‘Hatred Reigns’ this is an issue that becomes less noticeable as the EP progresses. Second track ‘Planes Divide’ sounds more conventional, but no less creative and the transitions feel more organic. Likewise the bass section on closer ‘Pain Leads To Nothingness’ is less jarring and draws the listener in. All in all, ‘Realm I: Affliction’ is a bold and ambitious debut which succeeds more often than not and is a welcome addition to a really exciting scene. We cannot help but think that with the right guidance and fine tuning, ‘Hatred Reigns’ have the potential to release something really special in the future.
7/10
Personal Hightlight: Final track ‘Pain Leads To Nothingness’ leads with the most ferocious riff not the EP and seriously picks up the pace. The high pitched screams send shivers down our spine and the crushing finale feels as though we are slowly being dragged down into hell.
