{"id":1984,"date":"2023-04-30T14:40:04","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T21:40:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sdmetal.org\/msm\/?p=1984"},"modified":"2023-04-30T14:43:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-30T21:43:00","slug":"thanatomass-hades-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sdmetal.org\/msm\/thanatomass-hades-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Thanatomass \u2013 Hades Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Raw, Hateful Black Metal<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

I recently took a business trip to the middle of butt-fuck nowhere, Tennessee. I can\u2019t say much about why I was there, but if you Google what Oak Ridge, Tennessee is known for you might be able to figure out the nature of the trip. On the flight I had some entertainment options: 1) Playing Dragon Quest XI and Persona 4 Golden on my Nintendo Switch, 2) paying overpriced internet to watch YouTube and\/or 3) listening to some heavy metal. In my queue I had Thanatomas<\/strong><\/em>s<\/strong>\u2019 upcoming release, their first full-length \u201cHades\u201d<\/em><\/strong>, due out May 12 on Living Temple Records<\/strong><\/a>. With some some groovy tunes to listen to and quests to complete, lets go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to be straight-up: This album hates you and your grandma too; a 44-minute barbaric, black metal assault on your ear holes and \u2013 patience??<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am vaguely familiar with Thanatomass<\/strong><\/em>, from their previous EP, \u201cDarkest Conjurations\u201d<\/strong><\/em> in 2020. A no-frills, violent-ridden black metal release \u2013 not particularly noteworthy. \u201cHades\u201d, <\/em><\/strong>however, did perk up my ears, but not in a good way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Muddy Mass<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHades\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>begins with a minute-long intro that consists of \u2013 at least intended to be \u2013 the sounds of hell. Next up we have the 10 minute track, Templvm Carnalis \/ Vomit Ceremony<\/em><\/strong>. Oh boy. I want to preface this by saying I do enjoy raw and unpolished black metal, it\u2019s one of my favorite genres. We are all fans of the classics \u201cTransylvanian Hunger,\u201d \u201cNattens Madriga<\/em>l\u201d<\/strong> as well as the discographies of Judas Iscariot <\/em>and <\/strong>Xasthur<\/strong>. <\/em>I will even throw on Archgoat<\/strong><\/em> from time to time as a palate cleanser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what separates \u201cHades\u201d <\/em><\/strong>from those timeless classics? Balance. Hades <\/em>is a constant, never-ending jackhammer on my brain. The songs are far longer than they have any right being. The album contains 7 tracks and sits at 44 minutes. Not counting intros and midtros, the average song is 8 minutes. That being said, the length of the songs themselves are not the source of the troubles, the pain comes from the production. It\u2019s flat and LOUD; all of the instruments are on the same “soundstage”. When the song is at full force with drum blasts, the tremolo guitars and guttural vocals, its hard to pick any detail out of the fray. You may be thinking to yourself, \u201cPoppy-cock! Black metal doesn\u2019t need dynamics! It\u2019s supposed to be raw and in your face!\u201d Well, I need to be able to hear and discern it. When I can make out a riff, it often does not stand out enough to compensate for the rest of it\u2019s misgivings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHades\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>is a difficult listen. Ultimately, it suffers \u2013 and it\u2019s listeners too as a result \u2013 from it\u2019s production. The intention may be for it to sound cacophonous and straight rom the bowels of hell itself! \u2013 but it hurts itself by doing so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is certainly not for me but there may be something in it for those who are into this sort of thing, I\u2019m talking to you War Metal heathens. This could be right up your alley, it just didn\u2019t sit with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For fans of: Blasphemy<\/strong><\/em>, Archgoat<\/strong><\/em> and Profanatica<\/strong><\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My rating scale:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Star: STAY AWAY<\/strong>. Far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Stars: Major flaws but you gave it a chance. Destined for the bargain bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Stars: Overall, it\u2019s okay despite some obvious flaws. Fanboys can get enjoyment out of it it but someone who is more critical may have an issue with it. Buy at a discount or while on sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Stars: Nearly perfect. A must listen and well suited to add to your collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Stars: BUY IT NOW<\/strong>, no questions asked. I don\u2019t care if you don\u2019t like [insert genre]\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/div>
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You can listen to \u201cHades\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>below if you are so brave:<\/p>\n\n\n\n