The Floridian death metal scene is home to legendary outfitters such as Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Obituary, Death, Malevolent Creation, and Monstrosity. Hate Eternal, a band who simply does not need any introductions required has been making killer music since 1997. From the influential albums such as 1999’s Conquering The Throne to perhaps the best Hate Eternal album and my personal favorite the band has ever done that being 2005’s I, Monarch, Upon Desolate Sands is Hate Eternal’s strongest and ambitious albums the band has done to date.
Hate Eternal records have always been marred by diluted production; the guitar and bass work is usually lost to the constant onslaught of blast beats. This album also introduces Obscura’s very own Hannes Grossmann who has done such a phenomenal job making his compositions and talented drumming skills to the test and he has properly executed it to near perfection. On par with the brutality, the album showcases a level of songwriting and composition constantly approached, yet never before reached by the band’s long-running career. Hate Eternal’s distinct sound of death metal has always been known for its mix of extreme brutality, speed, and technicality; one of which many bands couldn’t even think about or replicate.
The moment you hear Upon Desolate Sands, The Violent Fury, All Hope Destroyed and Dark Age Of Ruin, prepare to strap yourselves to hear Hate Eternal’s cleanest and aggressive records in such a very long time. Upon Desolate Sands is Hate Eternal’s return to form and doing what they been contributing for 21 years in their career to create the best album in the last decade.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Review by Jake Butler
