« Scars »
2013
Putting to rest NACHTMYSTIUM’s eclectic and forward thinking brand of Black Metal, Blake Judd will no doubt leave many diehard fans scratching their heads but all is not lost from Judd’s enigmatic musical ideas. Last year’s debut, « Scars » sees HATE MEDITATION spew forth jarring Black Metal, this time hearing Judd (Azentrius) focus on a more straight forward approach to the art.
First out of the gate is « Prelude of the Apocalypse« , a short ambient piece that builds in tension to explode into « The Deceiver and the Believer« , a track that is unrefined, «frosty», unfeeling and yet atmospherically satisfying. Immediately, « Scars » implores a soundscape that isn’t too far removed from EMPEROR’s, « In the Nightside Eclipse« , though with the drums disappointingly hidden behind a wall of distortion, especially during the «speedier» moments. Incidentally, if Judd used programming for the drums, the album may have also sounded like SUMMONING’s, « Lugburz« , at least minimally.
Allowing for slight keyboard chords to ring through the speakers, « Starring into the Abyss (End Times)« , hears the onslaught quickly slowed to open avenues for guitar harmonies and dramatic force. Likewise, « The Genocide March » has a deeply sorrowful refrain where the lead guitar riff is as eerie as ever, before returning to spiteful resolve; a bona fide fan favorite if played live. Imploring more of the sonic riffage akin to Emperor’s earliest; « Wrath and Revenge » doesn’t release the infernal gas pedal either while title track, « Scars » begins in slow, dirge-like fashion, gradually building to a foot stomping/head bobbing drive! An epic, if there ever was one, the hypnotic intoxication is definitely a highlight.
With HATE MEDITATION’s first full length, Blake Judd certainly picks up the pieces from the « Condemned to Death » demo of 2003 to capitalize on a more streamlined approach to his vision of the Black Metal proposition/sound. Leaning heavily on raw propulsion (not to mention the production), the songs deviate somewhat from unfettered blasting to subtle ambience and mesmerizing journey-like odes. If ever one was to doubt Judd’s musical appetite, they needn’t worry anymore….
Standout Tracks: Starring into the Abyss (End Times), The Genocide March, Scars
8/10
Chris
