Review: Hateform – Origins of Plague (2010 – 7:45 Records)

Playlist:
1.    Hate Equals Salvation
2.    Foundry
3.    Abhorrent Reincarnation
4.    Rise of the Deceived
5.    Remain Unbound
6.    Non Compos Mentis
7.    There Will Be None
8.    Needles Be Driven
9.    Set Out the Sun
Running time: 41:15

Hateform released their first album ”Dominance” in 2008. It was a strong opening and the band won the “Newcomer of the year” award in Finnish metal awards. I expected that Hateform would have broken its way straight to Finnish death metal elite club. For one reason or another the band didn’t get as popular as it deserved. Now it’s time for the second coming with the new weapon called “Origins of Plague”.

The opening track “Hate Equals Salvation” gives a helluva starting shot for the album. It’s a furious combination of rage and masterful control of instruments. A little bit easier parts only make you more humble before the next beating. When you add a few melodic guitar leads and solos in it you get the form of hate. “Foundry” continues with the same elements and offensive choir growls work fine.

“Abhorrent Reincarnation” has more groovy riffs and it gives a nice variety among the brutal riffs. “Rise of the Deceived” is a basic Hateform song. The guitar solo is great but otherwise it’s not the best part of this album. “Remain Unbound” is again more aggressive song including a very easy middle solo part. That middle part sounds pretty nice but its necessity is doubtful.

“Non Compos Mentis” is a little bit slower track and it falls behind the faster tracks. “There Will Be None” is a perfect example of that. It’s like rapid fire but the most important thing; it’s an excellent song too. Arch Enemy on speed might sound something like this. “Needled Be Driven” has a lot of stuff in it but anyway it’s a little boring to be a Hateform song. The final track “Set Out the Sun” manages to combine different elements in one song very well. The end of the track is very massive including a cello solo. A great ending for the album.

Hateform is a great band and this album is a very strong presentation of their abilities. This album is one of the most interesting Finnish releases this year. Every fan of technic and melodic death metal should get to know this band.

Overall rating: 8½