Hate: Rugia

Bands have different moods and styles, some of which are successful while others are divisive. This idea came to mind most recently when I read that Ghost is trumpeting their forthcoming album as their Black Album. I presume that means they want it to be their biggest hit, but does it also mean that they’ll start taking things down the path that leads to Load, or Re-Load?

As I listened to Hate’s latest album, I wondered a little about the same question. Now obviously Hate isn’t going to track (or even imitate) Ghost or Metallica, but they have taken some twists and turns of their own that have left people scratching their heads. I can understand that, at least to some extent. My introduction to Hate was Solarflesh, an album that is not only ten years old but also one that represents a slightly different era for the band. I didn’t return to Hate until Auric Gates of Veles, my first introduction to the band’s deep dive into Slavonic mysticism. As with Solarflesh, I liked Auric Gates of Veles quite a bit even though I don’t return to it very often.

Even though I’m a little late in posting a review of Rugia, I wanted to note that it’s a solid entry in the band’s catalogue. It is consistently solid from start to finish and it shows the band in fine form. The opening track bristles with such power that it nearly overshadows the rest of the album. For those willing to keep listening, though, they should “The Wolf Queen� to be a tough and rugged number that highlights the band’s death metal roots and influences really well. Also memorable were “Awaking the Gods Within� and “Sun of Extinction,� a tune that mixes things up a little about halfway through. I was slightly less taken with “Resurgence� even though that’s a song that has an official video with lots of hits. It’s a fine song, just not as memorable as some of the others. If you like Hate, this album should suit you fine. If you’re new to Hate, this is as good a place to start as any.

Track Listing:
1. Rugia
2. The Wolf Queen
3. Exiles of Pantheon
4. Saturnus
5. Awakening the Gods Within
6. Resurgence
7. Valesian Guard
8. Sun of Extinction
9. Sacred Dnieper

Added: February 1st 2022
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band YouTube Channel
Hits: 555
Language: english

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