Hateform

Many bands play thrashy melodic death metal, so what makes Hateform so interesting? For one, their ability to generate bone-crushingly heavy riffs. You will be in need of a neck brace after spinning this one a few times in a row, especially after "Born Exiled", "Perpetual Cold", and "Rise Beyond". Seriously, these guys have no shortages when it comes to awesome, intricate riffs that fuse brutality with intelligence. Not only that, but many of the songs have an epic feel to them, such as the afore-mentioned "Born Exiled" and its lead-in track, "Origin of Plague", with its almost middle eastern vibe before things really kick in. The layered growls at the end of "Sculpture of Flesh" give some extra intensity to an already vicious assault. Then theres the almost 9 minute "Illusion for the Absolved...", full of melodic lead work and a slower, atmospheric approach and minimal vocals, yet equally as compelling as the rest of the tracks presented. Any band can blast away at full speed, but to bring it down and keep it interesting is worthy of note and plays to their songwriting ability.Not much else to say here other than to let you know you are probably missing out on some exceptionally well-written death/thrash. If you dig any of the band mentioned in the review or even the first few albums from The Haunted (its a nice match intensity-wise when the band gets really ripping), Sanctuary in Abyss is an excellent starting point to checking out one of metals most underappreciated gems.