Hatesphere Ballet of the Brute
Century Media Records July 27th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Im a firm believer in the statement that theres nothing wrong with a little indulgence once in a while. Because, Hatesphere seem to be just that. The group is exceptionally catchy and immediately likeable. Sound-wise they can reasonably be compared to the likes of Arch Enemy with hints of Hypocrisy and Dark Tranquillity showing up now and then. However, this release conquers almost the entirety of the Arch Enemy discography and tramples over much of Hypocrisys output. In short, the band are definitely formidable opponents in the
realm of melodic death metal.
The Beginning and the End is a short instrumental opener. At roughly two minutes, the song is brief, as is the next track Deathtrip. From the moment the instrumentation is heard were treated to a ceaseless amount of energy that continues throughout the entire album. The quintet is never short on quality riffage and, often, the melodious sections are enamoring. Dual-guitar leads and rhythms only add more substance to the onslaught. As short as the first couple songs are, they're perfectly orchestrated to give us patience for the remainder of the record. You should be left wanting more. Vermin is a ferocious piece, except for the awkward, operatic vocals that should be left to professionals such as Rowan London (Virgin Black) and Eric Clayton (Saviour Machine). Thankfully, that particular vocal style doesnt appear much. Also notable is the inclusion of thrashiness within many of the numbers.
Hatesphere has recorded a contagious metal effort that does, in fact, please the listener. There are some real gems to be found here. Blurring the lines between thrash and death is one of the bands strong-points, and these guys are more interesting than outfits considered staples of both genres. This group is probably new for some of you, but dont hesitate to pick up Ballet of the Brute. It does not disappoint.
8/10
Official Hatesphere Website
Official Century Media Records
Century Media Records July 27th, 2004
By Jason Jordan
Im a firm believer in the statement that theres nothing wrong with a little indulgence once in a while. Because, Hatesphere seem to be just that. The group is exceptionally catchy and immediately likeable. Sound-wise they can reasonably be compared to the likes of Arch Enemy with hints of Hypocrisy and Dark Tranquillity showing up now and then. However, this release conquers almost the entirety of the Arch Enemy discography and tramples over much of Hypocrisys output. In short, the band are definitely formidable opponents in the
realm of melodic death metal.
The Beginning and the End is a short instrumental opener. At roughly two minutes, the song is brief, as is the next track Deathtrip. From the moment the instrumentation is heard were treated to a ceaseless amount of energy that continues throughout the entire album. The quintet is never short on quality riffage and, often, the melodious sections are enamoring. Dual-guitar leads and rhythms only add more substance to the onslaught. As short as the first couple songs are, they're perfectly orchestrated to give us patience for the remainder of the record. You should be left wanting more. Vermin is a ferocious piece, except for the awkward, operatic vocals that should be left to professionals such as Rowan London (Virgin Black) and Eric Clayton (Saviour Machine). Thankfully, that particular vocal style doesnt appear much. Also notable is the inclusion of thrashiness within many of the numbers.
Hatesphere has recorded a contagious metal effort that does, in fact, please the listener. There are some real gems to be found here. Blurring the lines between thrash and death is one of the bands strong-points, and these guys are more interesting than outfits considered staples of both genres. This group is probably new for some of you, but dont hesitate to pick up Ballet of the Brute. It does not disappoint.
8/10
Official Hatesphere Website
Official Century Media Records
