Origin : Norway
Genre : Black Metal
Release : 2003
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
The Norwegian black metal titans Darkthrone have always operated on their own terms, a relentless force carving a path through the frozen North with a sound that is as primal as it is potent. “Hate Them,” released in 2003, stands as a testament to this unwavering ethos. Emerging from the ashes of their more experimental phase, this album sees Fenriz and Nocturno Culto return to a more direct, aggressive, and undeniably raw black metal attack. It’s a record that feels unearthed, forged in the deepest, coldest caverns, and delivered with a visceral ferocity that strips away all pretense. The production is deliberately lo-fi, a conscious decision that amplifies the album’s inherent brutality, making each distorted riff and blast beat feel like a physical assault. “Hate Them” is not an album for the faint of heart; it’s a sonic blizzard designed to freeze the listener to the bone.
Track Analysis:
**”Rust”**: The album kicks off with an immediate sonic pummeling. The riff is a jagged, mid-paced chug, imbued with a palpable sense of dread. Nocturno Culto’s vocals are a guttural rasp, a primal scream ripped from the abyss. The drumming is relentless, a chaotic yet precise barrage that drives the track forward with relentless momentum. The bassline, though often buried in the mix, provides a crucial, rumbling foundation.
**”Poisonous Moon”**: This track introduces a slightly more melodic, albeit still grim, sensibility. The main riff possesses a haunting quality, a serpentine melody that slithers through the darkness. The tempo shifts effectively, moving from a driving gallop to a more atmospheric, mid-tempo section that allows the oppressive atmosphere to truly settle in. The solos are chaotic bursts of noise, adding to the raw, untamed nature of the sound.
**”Hate Them”**: The title track is an anthem of pure, unadulterated aggression. The riffs are sharp, biting, and delivered with a venomous intensity. The blast beats are deployed with surgical precision, creating moments of overwhelming sonic chaos. Nocturno Culto’s vocal delivery here is particularly ferocious, a snarling declaration of defiance. The song embodies the album’s core thematic and sonic identity.
**”In the Shadow of the Rampart”**: This is perhaps the most epic-sounding track on the album, despite its relatively concise runtime. A more deliberate, almost marching tempo underpins a series of powerful, anthemic riffs. There’s a sense of grim majesty to this track, a feeling of standing on windswept battlements, surveying a desolate landscape. The guitar work is particularly memorable, with distinct melodic phrases woven into the aggressive framework.
**”Torn Apart”**: A return to pure, unbridled chaos. The riffs are abrasive and dissonant, creating a sense of unease and discomfort. The drumming is frenetic, showcasing a mastery of blast beats and fills that propel the track with unrelenting force. This is black metal stripped down to its most elemental, a pure expression of rage.
**”The Ones Who Came from the Cold”**: This track offers a slight reprieve in tempo, but not in intensity. The riffs are heavy and brooding, creating a thick, suffocating atmosphere. The vocal performance is particularly chilling, conveying a sense of ancient, malevolent presence. The track builds and recedes, creating a dynamic ebb and flow that keeps the listener engaged.
**”Die Like a Thug”**: A blistering, no-holds-barred assault. The riffs are sharp and aggressive, delivered with a relentless energy. The drumming is a furious barrage, a relentless storm of double bass and cymbal work. The vocal delivery is raw and venomous, perfectly complementing the track’s aggressive sonic tapestry.
**”Under the Guillotine”**: The album closes with a final act of sonic destruction. The riffs are crushing and heavy, yet retain a sharp, cutting edge. The tempo is relentless, driving the listener towards the album’s inevitable conclusion. The production here, as throughout the album, contributes to the feeling of raw, unpolished power, making the final moments feel like a violent, cathartic release.
Conclusion:
“Hate Them” is a potent and uncompromising statement from Darkthrone. It’s an album that eschews modern production gloss for a raw, unadulterated black metal sound that feels both timeless and immediate. Fenriz and Nocturno Culto have honed their craft to a razor’s edge, delivering a collection of tracks that are aggressive, atmospheric, and undeniably compelling. This is an album that demands to be heard at high volume, its sonic textures and relentless energy seeping into the listener’s very being. It’s a stark reminder of the power and enduring appeal of true, unadulterated black metal.
Rating: 9/10
Highlight Track: Hate Them
