From what we've seen thus far, Holland's Deity Down Records can apparently do no wrong. The newest band they've submitted for our approval is HATRED, a band that finally has a proper full-length debut after almost a decade of plugging away (their only other release was an EP called "Chaos in the Flesh" about five years ago). Still, for extreme metal fans, the wait has been well worth it.

The name of the game here is no-frills, no-nonsense, in your face D-flat tuned old school death metal. Folks looking for virtuoso wanking and cheesy synth pads had best look elsewhere. Those who demand religion-hating brutality, however, should feel right at home. And it won't take long either, cuz the second the opening chords of "Christian Dogma" hit, they'll find their balls in a rusty bear trap that won't let go until the final fade-out of the title track closer. What's more, these guys manage to showcase an impressive amount of flexibility during this album's 36 minute duration. Whether they're creeping with "The Beholder", thrashing with "Reflected in Dead Eyes", trying their hand at doom metal with the interlude "Transition" or pounding blast beats through your skull with "Religion = War", everything's tight and high on quality.

Well folks, it looks like the New Wave of Dutch Death Metal has yet another champion. We can only hope that we don't have to wait another five years to hear from these guys again, because fans of IMMOLATION, early EDGE OF SANITY and DECAPITATED have very good reason to show HATRED some love.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.hatred.nl

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.