Hatred - Madhouse Symphonies

"A zombie walking, which is fed by talking..."

I'm quite sure I have heard of three bands using the very same name. Well, this is the German one and despite the not-very-original name, the music they play make them one of the biggest surprises arrived to Zombie Ritual's mail box. Breaknecking Thrash with balls. It is funny to note that, even when they are Germans their style is not so influenced by SODOM, DESTRUCTION, etc (ok, ok, it is not obligatory to play in that vein). Here we can find Thrash Metal in the American style (Bay area sound, of course) made out of the elements METALLICA, TESTAMENT or EXODUS used already in the past. In fact, these last ones is their biggest influence, which can be heard mainly in vocal style of Matthias Mauer. The vocals have this contemporary aggressive-melodic style, but have enough raw edge, vital for the true Thrash Metal. Each track by itself has its own personality and catches our attention. Here and there you can find some well done flashbacks, a manner of homage to "Reign in Blood" in the song "Schizofrenia". On this album the over-the-top speed is not so evident, but the work done by Mr. "Evil Ewald" on drums is pretty good and a main factor to give the band its own sound. The sound of the rhythm guitars is very clear, while the solos of Frank and Mr. "Madin" are notable, very much in the vein of K. Hammett (old), just check the track "Explosions". I have to say that both "Gates of hell" and "Walk through the fire" are tracks that can deceive us because start like a ballad. The voice does not sound similar to those of the other tracks, which means there's a good disposition to make something different. For some minutes it seems that we put the CD of a power metal band. In the case of "Gates…" the change that evolves the song is effective and manages very well to give continuity to the melody and power. Of my very favorites is "Mosh crew", that I am sure it is one of their most popular song in their live set. Formed just in 2002, HATRED are a good example of the "old school" Thrash metal sound, mixed with more contemporary elements, but avoiding childish trends, as those we have seen recently. The music is well performed and in a degree, we can say it is an hybrid which keeps its essential basis. SERPENTOR, CHAOS FEAR, SCARS, HAVOC, NUCLEAR, and many more Latin bands are trying to continue with this style, having some evolution, and adding a plus. The Germans HATRED are welcomed to this list, and their very good production (an independent one! Bravo!) may put them on the very top of the list.