Man, I love it when a band and album come along and knock my socks off. In this case, we have HASEROT and Advent of Suffering (out now via Redefining Darkness Records). Any extreme metal fan worth their salt should be all over this one.
The opener and title track, “Advent of Suffering,” is heavy, yes, but the guitar line carries a melody that can only be described as haunting. Hell, the song is already an ass-kicker, but that guitar will stick to your ribs like some Texas barbecue, son!
Next up is “Poverty of Thought,” followed by “Apophis,” and both of these bitches will punch you in the mouth and leave you spittin’ teeth like sunflower seeds. Not surprisingly, they were my two favorites from the jump and have been getting plenty of play around here.
“Tears in Bethlehem” is interesting because of its OVERKILL-like vibe. Not that I’m complaining — that’s simply what I got from it. “Khylst” employs some good old-fashioned misdirection, and that’s something I’ll always welcome.
Justin McKittrick’s vocals definitely make me feel a certain type of way when he starts spewing venom and breathing fire. Meanwhile, the six-string duo of Maurice Eggenschwiler (lead guitar) and Brandon Johnson (rhythm guitar) pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.
“Beneath the Cairn” is a crunchy vehicle for Garrick Smith (bass) and Cryptos Grimm (drums) to demonstrate that the faint of heart need not apply. Closer “Curse of Haserot” lands this plane of death like Ted Striker in Airplane! Luckily, these guys are never too low.
All in all, Advent of Suffering is a fantastic disc from HASEROT. If there’s one band to keep an eye on, it’s these monsters from Houston. The album is available now, so get crackin’!
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Apophis,” “Poverty of Thought,” “Advent of Suffering”
RATING: 9/10
—THE MAESTRO
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