Unleashing their auditory journey “Awaken The Ancients” this past December, Canada’s brutal force Hatred Reigns not only released a full-length record, but a conceptual epic that traverses uncharted realms of sound and emotion. The album’s narrative follows a protagonist grappling with oppressive forces, leading to a summoning of the ancients who rise to liberate the tormented from their prolonged suffering. Plunged into an endless abyss, the tormented emerge upon a desolate shore, surrounded by aimless souls.
In a quest for liberation, the damned are ferried across by Charon who must navigate treacherous planes, confronting challenges from demons above and lurking waters below. Their odyssey takes them across the enigmatic river Styx, lured by the ancients towards Necropia, where ultimate judgment awaits.
The seventh track/story of eight on the album is “Absentia”, which tells the part of their tale of the vessel venturing onward, with the treacherous waters proving to be a metaphorical battleground. The Ancients, masters of manipulation, distort the perceptions of the voyagers. The chronicle’s protagonist’s senses are tampered with, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. To give a visual admiration of this track’s relentless pillaging, Hatred Reigns has put together a 3D animated lyric video
An eight-track sojourn into other worlds, paying homage to classic films and literature as well as their musical influences, “Awaken The Ancients” was mixed and mastered by vocalist Mitchi Dimitriadis, who also played a pivotal role in bringing guitarist Jeff Calder’s vision to life. Together with Calder, Dimitriadis developed orchestration soundscapes, incorporating percussive sounds, spoken word elements, and digital sound samples into the music.
Pedro “Lordigan” Sena, the album’s designer, crafted a masterful artwork piece that vividly depicts countless aimless souls preparing to face judgment. This artwork aligns seamlessly with the album’s thematic exploration and adds depth and vibrancy to the overall experience.
The tracks on the album are a testament to the band’s diverse influences, seamlessly woven into a unified entity that reflects their collective vision. The sonic journey they offer is a compelling fusion of their musical roots and is suggested for fans of Carcass, Behemoth, and Cryptopsy.
“Awaken The Ancients” was released on December 1, 2023, and is available at the following links:
Digital – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hatredreigns/awaken-the-ancients
Bandcamp – https://hatredreigns.bandcamp.com
Album and Live Lineup:
Mitchi Dimitriadis – Vocals
Jeff Calder – Guitars
Neil Grandy – Drums
Adam Semler – Bass & Vocals
More info: Facebook.com/hatredreignsband | Instagram.com/hatredreigns
