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By JEFF MAKI
Denmark's Hatesphere play punishing thrash/death metal in the vein of The Haunted, with plenty of Slayer riffs at the forefront. Though lacking in originality, The Sickness Within is a rock-solid thrash metal record. Hate anthems, such as “The Fallen Shall Rise in a River of Blood” and the title track, are the best of the best. You can feel the rage of frontman Jacob Bredahl as he spits forth his violent vocals. His style is similar to that of Peter Dolving of The Haunted, but you can’t help to want to pump your fist in anger and shout along with the title track’s chorus.
Hatesphere are rooted in thrash metal, but songs such as “The Coming of Chaos” have a hardcore influence, while “Seeds Of Shame” has a Pantera-like riff. Hatesphere must have a how-to book on heavy metal, because they have it down pat. The Sickness Within has a dynamic which is vital in this day and age to keep a metal album interesting. There is an abundance of double-bass drumming and monstrous riffs, and this band also knows when to break things down and change tempos. Also check out a blistering guitar solo by Nevermore’s Steve Smyth on the albums closer, “Marked by Darkness.”
The Sickness Within is not a groundbreaking metal record. In fact, I may not be able to tell its Hatesphere if I didn't already know. However, thrash metal this well executed doesn’t really need an introduction.
Recommended for fans of The Haunted, Slayer, Pantera and Himsa.
www.hatesphere.com
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