HATESPHERE
Back for a second crack at thumping our craniums, HATESPHERE unleash their second onslaught of malicious Death/Thrash. I could spend the majority of this review comparing this release to their self-entitled debut but the likeness between the two is so striking it would make for too short a review. Needless to say then, that HATESPHERE is not a band who has evolved into more efficient or creative songwriters. That is not a negative statement as this album has its catchy elements a-plenty! Somehow though, I got more enjoyment when they did this the first time out. The differences between both their releases should be our primary focus. So what are they?Production quality is about a notch below that of their first album. Somewhere during the recording of this album the band lost that in-your-face guitar sound that was so crushing on the debut. The first time out too, I found that the band had a better handle on cranking out riffs that stayed in your head longer. In some respects I will say that this album is a bit more energetic than its predecessor.
One thing about Bloodred Hatred you can count on is hearing some hard-hitting Death/Thrash that can hold its own with any other release from this genre currently being released. And, I must mention that the Tom Araya salute on "Hell Is Here" is noted! The grooving elements so much apart of the first album are again the backbone of HATESPHERE's chemistry. They do it well on "Insanity Arise", "Disbeliever" and the superlative "Kicking Ahead". Again, guitar soloing is fine-tuned and a joy to listen to. All in all, there is no reason you should not have your copy of this album if you enjoyed the first.
HATESPHERE are a fun band that really know how to punch you in the gut without respite. No barriers are being broken with this album but if its just a good ass-whoppin' album you are looking for, look no further.
