ALBUM REVIEW: Reduced To Flesh – HateSphere

Danish death metal veterans HATESPHERE have gathered quite a high level of respect amongst their peers in their tenure but have never really achieved the heights that may have been anticipated since their explosion on the scene way back in 1998. 2018 marks their 20th year as a band as well as the release of their tenth studio effort entitled Reduced To Flesh which is due for release from today via Scarlet Records. Will this landmark be one to remember?

Praeludium unassumingly ponders into your gaze with a quirky distorted intro which begins to gather pace as it progresses. The instrumentation builds up teeing up the frantic tempo of Corpse Of Mankind. The instantly recognisable pounding drums and swift shredding which have become a staple of HATESPHERE‘s sound over the years immediately charge to the forefront. A few years may have passed since their last release but no dust has accumulated as the groove ridden riffing is as sharp as a razor. Nothing Is Definite continues the intensity with an purposeful stride and heavy hitting instrumentation. HATESPHERE have the knack of writing catchy hooks down to a fine art. As the track marches on the pace steps up a gear with ferocious blast beats and vicious snarls from frontman Esben Hansen.

Ruled By Domination opens with doomy downtuned riffs before diving straight back into the breakneck tempo of its predecessors. Melodic vocals layered with gritty growls add a bit of variety to the arrangement. Title track Reduced To Flesh channels influences from AT THE GATES with frenzied, intricate guitar work and adrenaline fuelled kick drums. Short bursts of slick leadwork elevate the track. Towards the latter stages the chaos is suddenly halted by an eerie, unnerving interlude before returning to the intensity to close. Can Of Worms unleashes a barrage of thrash soaked shredding crying out for a pit to descend into a whirlwind of flailing limbs. The guitar work is intoxicating and if there is going to be a track stuck in your head afterwards this is it.

Lethal Mistakes sustains the high energy levels with snappy drum work and further complex riffs. A church organ bellows in the background as some chilling spoken word segments slide into the track. Petty commences with chunky bass lines before launching into some headbang inducing grooves. In amongst the carnage there is a distinct level of melody creating extra levels of diversity.

Afterlife shows no sign of fatigue as the momentum powers on through vigorous riff work. Another bout of ghostly, dramatic sounds build the tension before the track is wrapped up another impactful eruption of pace. Closer Despicable You opens up with thunderous drum beats preparing for one final waltz into the mayhem. The jabbing riff work isn’t quite as maniacal as what has come before but maintains the same level of aggression leaving Reduced To Flesh on a high note.

HATESPHERE aren’t a band that treads too far out of their comfort zone, sticking true to their roots but still maintaining all the fire which brought them to the dance in the first place. Their song structures are relatively predictable but the riff work is always polished, addictive and gets your blood pumping throughout. Reduced To Flesh is a solid slab of energetic death metal which will satiate any existing fans of the band and has proved that their sound has stood the test of time. Reaching the landmark of ten albums is something that should be celebrated and HATESPHERE have not disappointed.

Rating: 8/10

Reduced To Flesh is out now via Scarlet Records.

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