Label: Independent
Genre: Raw/Atmospheric Black Metal
Length: 26:24
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When I think of the Australian metal scene, iconic bands like Sadistik Exekution, Destroyer 666 and Bestial Warlust immediately spring to mind. These bands have left their mark on the history of extreme metal, but the Australian underground also hides some little-known gems. It's in this vein that Artanor, a one-man band founded in 2007, fits in. After a debut album, In Servitude of Darkness, released in 2023 (which I've yet to explore in depth), Artanor returned in 2024 with the Devastating Hate EP, an independent release available in digital format. Today, I'm going to talk about this record, which consists of four tracks totalling 26 minutes and 23 seconds.
Devastating Hate's black metal is traditional, melodic and atmospheric, with an abrasive, raw sound. The tracks are long and intense, testing the listener's endurance. The tempos are generally constant, without too many variations, but this in no way detracts from the impact of the music. The instruments exude a relentless energy, buoyed by percussive drums and high-pitched, almost muffled vocals that lend the whole a gloomy aura.
The dark atmosphere of the EP is felt throughout the album, but particularly on The End of the Beginning, where an ominous melody takes hold before giving way to relentless black metal. The eponymous track, Devastating Hate, reinforces this mood with more melody, while retaining an uncompromising aggression. These subtle melodic songwriting add a sinister dimension to the EP.
Certain passages standout on this EP. On Devourer, for example, there's a noticeable acceleration from the 4th minute onwards, guided by frenetic drumming, providing a striking contrast with the more linear rhythm of the beginning. In my opinion, one of the most memorable moments is the vocal performance on Anguish. Halfway through the track, a calmer passage sets in, creating palpable tension before the vocals re-emerge with more intensity, the nuance between the calm and the raw makes this track my favourite. The eponymous track Devastating Hate is a real demonstration of consistency and intensity. Its 6 minutes and 35 seconds leave no respite, conveying emotions of rejection and anger that captivate the listener to the very last note.
With Devastating Hate, Artanor prove that the Australian underground still has a great deal to offer. While remaining faithful to the roots of traditional black metal, this EP is an immersive, raw experience, driven by long, intense compositions. If you're a fan of atmospheric, abrasive black metal, I'd recommend it.