Regardless of how you feel about geopolitics, the war in Ukraine is nothing short of a fucking land grab by the leader of Russia. Families have been wiped out, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

Hate Forest have been, along with other Ukrainian bands; trying to raise money for their troops to be able to hold the Russian assault at bay. After the release of the magnificent Innermost album in 2022 they released a couple of EPS and a compilation. Against all Odds is the outcome after that two-year hiatus and let me assure you, constant reader, it’s fucking angry, it’s musical missiles that strike the mind and the heart.

“Werewolves” howls into action with seismic force and flurries of blast beats. Roman Saenko, the brainchild behind the mighty Drudkh (in case you didn’t know, which you should), has crafted an album full of rage that requires your immediate fucking attention.

“One Way Ticket” is this quick Black Thrash merciless display. These riffs are fucking deadly, there’s some vicious Death Metal growls thrown in there and it might just be me, but this could be Hate Forest’s finest hour. While 2003’s Purity is my personal favorite, Against All Odds has been pushed to the top spot. It really is a battle cry for the liberation of a sovereign nation.

“Devil Is on Our Side” and “Ukrainian Thermopylae” mark the center point on this battlefield; both are unrelenting and bombastic. The drums drop blast beats like ordinance throughout their crushing heaviness.

It should be no surprise that Hate Forest shares musical power with some of the biggest names in Ukrainian Black Metal. Drudkh (who I keep coming back to often, but dammit the guy is in both bands) Nokturnal Mortum, Astrofaes and Blaze of Perdition to name a few; and there are subtle influences galore. But at the end of the day this is Ukrainian Black Metal done right.

“Mariupol” is an emotional gut punch. Beautifully brutal, and heartbreaking statement about a very dark chapter of this senseless war. “Coprophagus Empire” can only be about Russia, and it drips venom through its 3:17 minute run. Followed by “The Reaping Hand” delivering more metered out hatred toward the invaders.

Last track “Courage” is the longest track, weighing in at 6:28 musical pounds it’s a statement for the future. Courageous is the word of the day where Ukraine is concerned; its people being subjected to Russian aggression for years.

If you support Ukraine, you should get this album and show support for their fight for their lives. For the fans of those mentioned above. If you love raw as hell Black Metal you should get this album. What are you waiting for?!

[Visit the band's website]

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