Hatesphere - Ballet of the Brute
Scarlet Records
Thrash
10 songs (36:23)
Release year: 2004
Hatesphere, Scarlet Records
Reviewed by Jay

Denmark’s Hatesphere have returned again with another new album of pure rage and aggression. Their sound can be compared to that of Steelbath era Soilwork and The Haunted. After checking out their last release and noting their room for creativity and improvement, this release was eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately, the music has not changed much. Despite that, this was still a valiant effort from the group.

We kick off with "Deathtrip" which blows the album open, as any good opener should. This album may be mislabeled as Melodeath, which it clearly is not. The chugging riffs are unrepentant and the tiny little morsels of melody are few and far between. Clearly, this album is meant to be thrash in its pure essence without any added adulteration. The guitars race, the pulse quickens, a swelling builds in the back of your throat and you know it is time to headbang. That is what this album is capable of delivering. Such is the case with tracks like "Vermin" and "Warhead." Hatesphere really casts a wonderful line of goodies with this album.

All of that said, this album suffers from a chronic lack of originality. Songs blend together, and guitar lines become one in the same after repeated listens. This is the same problem that the latest Carnal Forge album suffered from. Maybe a slight bit of extra melody could be injected into the music or the riffs could be varied a little bit. However, in the end, it is about the parts. The thrashing riffs certainly define the style of music that the band wants to be playing. While taking their influence from Swedish bands, Hatesphere falls more into the Danish mold. To me, it seems that most Danish bands sound like a facsimile of each other but Hatesphere seems to break this mold by being a little less brutal, and a little more focused on their high-speed assault. Vocalist Jacob Bredahl is more of a Melodeath vocalist than a death metal vocalist and it aids them in distancing themselves from the pack.

Anyone who has heard a thrash band like this knows exactly what to expect. It is unlikely that bands like this will significantly vary their style any with coming time but who knows. As it stands now, you could easily band your head and troubles away to this music. Hatesphere show us how to rock on.

Killing Songs :
Deathtrip, Vermin
Jay quoted 75 / 100
Other albums by Hatesphere that we have reviewed:
Hatesphere - To the Nines reviewed by Thomas and quoted 49 / 100
Hatesphere - Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes reviewed by Dylan and quoted 62 / 100
Hatesphere - The Killing EP reviewed by Alex and quoted no quote
Hatesphere - Bloodred Hatred reviewed by Crims and quoted 82 / 100
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