Hate Ritual - Compelled by Evil

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Mexico, even having a strong Metal scene (in a way that’s easier for an underground band to go there than to South America), has few great band names. To be honest, only LUZBEL and ACRANIA come to mind, and personally, I can’t understand why things are in this way (sorry for my lack of deeper knowledge into Mexican Metal scene). But the name of HATE RITUAL is really very good, as can be heard on “Compelled by Evil”, their first release.

It’s a very good mix between Thrash Metal with Death Metal influences, some Hardcore touches and even some Groove Thrash Metal bits (that can be heard in some moments, as on “The Abolishment” and “Grip & Grudge”). Such words seem to describe something that was already done before, but the way the quartet works and the energy they unleash on their songs is excellent. Of course, they can work in a better way in the future (especially the grunts, because they can fit a bit better on the next time), but they’re pretty good by now. The sonority of “Compelled by Evil” is crude and nasty, maybe a try to be organic and aggressive. But as the band can work in a better way in the future, for now is good enough to understand their musical expression and to hear as they’re talented.

As told above, they still need to evolve a bit more, but “Compelled by Evil” doesn’t sound like as an album that came earlier than its time. Their efforts are worthy, as can be heard on “Right by Migth” (very good guitar riffs and tempo changes), the catchy Groove Metal energy that flows from “Target Acquired” and “Grip & Grudge” (the snarls and screamed tunes on vocals are really a good choice, and are really great on these ones), the energy and contrasts heard on “Wastlands” and on “Aggression Paid with Aggression” (very good work on bass guitar and drums on this last one), and “Eyes of Wonder”. Yes, these guys can unleash a massive earthquake that could put the ruins of Tenochtitlan, Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza down to ashes with their music.

Let’s hope that HATE RITUAL can have a better production and evolve a bit more on their next release (maybe a second guitarist could be of some help, but it’s just a suggestion). But pay attention to what they’re up to with “Compelled by Evil”. You won’t regret, indeed.

Songwriting: 9
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 6