Hate – Rugia
Release Date: 15th October 2021
Label: Metal Blade Records
Pre-Order
Genre: Death Metal, Black Metal, Blackened Death Metal.
FFO: Cannibal Corpse, Nile, Asphyx, Azarath, Hate Eternal.
Review By: Jordan Burton-Morris
No one combines death and black metal quite like Poland’s Hate. With unflinching viciousness and a sense of atmosphere unique to the band, on Rugia, their twelfth full-length, they push the boundaries of their craft even further. This also marks the entrance of a new drummer, Nar-Sil.
The title track, and album opener Rugia shows what this band is all about. From the pounding new drums, to the very low gutturals, it’s the best song they could’ve picked to open such an album. The solo here also shows the skill they have.
Track 3, Exiles of Pantheon is one that catches you off guard. It starts with a calming, harmonised fade in. It then descends into madness, but in a good way. Tiermes supports the low end well with his thunderous basslines here.
Track 6, Resurgence is another one of my favourites. Nar-Sil really proves himself here, whilst playing a marching beat on the snare, and double kick pedalling away at the same time. There are also brief moments where the bass is left at the forefront, where you hear the amazing tone of Tiermes.
Clocking in at around 35 minutes, this album is short but sweet, covering all bases. A very good introduction for Nar-Sil, and meets the standard that is to be expected of these warriors. An essential for sure.
(4.5 / 5)
