Artist: To Hate
Label: 57 Records
Released: 2009
Runtime: 43:37
Rating: 4/5
We’ve got the debut from To Hate, a homegrown Melodic/Death metal outfit who decided to run their local ideas through the Swedish production lens of so-called Gothenburg metal, which is still going strong thanks to bands like In Flames and Dark Tranquillity.
Right off the bat, I’d call Different Faces a real turning point and a breath of fresh air for the Slovenian metal scene, because the album feels incredibly fresh and, above all, original. Even the cover art is striking, made by Sanja Pocrnjić, and the fact that an album this good came out self-released says a lot. Yet another example of how hard it is to find a label with nothing but good music to show for it.
Besides the Intro, played by Katja Sevšek, and the Outro, there are ten more tracks, and you can say they’re all insanely dynamic and polished. Already with the second song you get a proper shot of adrenaline, pumped through your veins by sharp guitars and well-recorded drums. Putting an instrumental track right after the Intro is an interesting call too, and it’ll go straight to the ears of every At The Gates fan, since it’s got just the right energy and aggression.
Like I said, To Hate are a very melodic band at heart, which they can finally back up with excellently recorded guitars and vocals, while the drums, full of dynamics and Blast Beats, drag us into their world as well. On top of that, the bass guitar ties it all together without being pushy or elbowing its way to the front. On Panic Disorder we even get a surprise in the form of a flute, played by Rebeka Mlakar.
As for the sound of the album, we can say it’s good and clean. There’s no interference or noise anywhere to cover up any part of a song. Props here to Matic Mlakar from 5th Season Studio, who also mixed and mastered the album.
By far the biggest standout on the album is the guitars, and there are plenty of them, leading the band’s sound. Their melodic tone creates just the right amount of atmosphere and electricity while you listen. Besides the guitars, I’d also mention the aggressive and charismatic vocals, mostly down to Jure Vandur. I’d also point out the brave move of using clean vocal parts, since with ”Troo” metal purists that can be the exact spot where they write off the music. But it’s also a sign that these guys are doing whatever suits them best musically and couldn’t care less about Vox Populi.
In short, Different Faces is an excellent release, marked by quality production and polished song arrangements. The album has a powerful sound and an identity of its own, which is a real rarity these days amid the flood of bands looking for their model in the Gothenburg scene.
For a debut, it definitely exceeds expectations in every respect.
Lineup
Sašo Corso – drums, backing vocals
Oliver Čepek – bass guitar
Marko Strnad – guitar
Jure Vandur – vocals, guitar
Track list
1. Beginning to hate (0:46)
2. Break a spell (2:16)
3. Key to the suicide are (4:03)
4. Programme zero (3:34)
5. Step of truth (3:58)
6. Silence implies consent (4:38)
7. Panic disorder (4:28)
8. Zirberck 1329 (4:10)
9. Useless device (4:54)
10. Black hole of miracles (4:18)
11. Burn down with my existence (4:24)
12. Micron (2:08)
