Hate | Bellum Regiis | Metal Blade Records

 

Formed in Warsaw in 1990, Hate is among the longest-standing forces in Poland’s extreme metal underground. Initially rooted in straightforward death metal, the band evolved over time to integrate blackened atmospheres and a thematic interest in Slavic mysticism, spiritual darkness, and elemental symbolism. Led continuously by guitarist/vocalist ATF Sinner, Hate has built a career defined by consistency and a gradual shift from early brutality toward more expansive and immersive black/death hybrids. Since the mid-2010s, the band’s creative direction has become more introspective, exploring philosophical and existential themes—particularly through albums like “Tremendum” (2017), “Auric Gates Of Veles” (2019), and “Rugia” (2021).

“Bellum Regiis” marks their thirteenth studio release, and with it, Hate refines their established sound into something colder, denser, and more cinematic. The lineup now features ATF Sinner on vocals and guitars, Domin on guitars, Tiermes on bass, and Nar-Sil on drums.

"Bellum Regiis" is the sound of a band fully entrenched in their craft, steering their music through towering walls of rhythm and a sense of calculated, suffocating momentum. The album’s structure is tight and unwavering, with all nine tracks interlocking through relentless pacing and an atmosphere that leans heavily into pagan warlike ritualism and existential dread. The production, helmed by David Castillo, enhances the weight of the material with depth and precision, offering a spatial quality that adds breadth without diluting intensity.

The sonic character of the album is defined by sharp, mid-tempo riffing, thunderous low-end, and an almost ritual cadence in drum patterns. ATF Sinner’s vocals remain commanding and focused, not through flamboyance or theatricality, but through controlled, layered force. "Iphigenia" and "Alfa Inferi, Goddess Of War" create pressure through repetition and warlike structuring, while tracks like "The Vanguard" and "Prophet Of Arkhen" lean into darker melodic phrases that briefly pull the listener into something near-trance before reasserting brutality.

Throughout the runtime, there is an overwhelming sense of forward propulsion, driven by a rigid rhythmic spine and textures that echo the band's recurring interest in the power struggles embedded in human nature. "Rite Of Triglav" and "Perun Rising" make direct connections to Slavic myth without over-indulging in folklore tropes, instead emphasizing atmosphere and severity over melodrama.

The album resists any dramatic detours or experimental diversions, instead maintaining a coherent sonic identity that feels meticulously constructed. Every element has a defined place, serving the whole rather than drawing individual attention. What arises is an austere and forceful experience, with just enough nuance in the layering to reward repeated listening.

Rather than creating contrast through softness or dynamic shifts, Hate commits to a singular vision—one rooted in controlled chaos, layered aggression, and ritualized tension. That choice strengthens the narrative thrust of "Bellum Regiis", giving it a sense of cohesion that doesn’t rely on theatrics or oversaturation.

Score: 8.3