Source: EP Artwork
Loathe are a fantastic metal band from Malta and are surprisingly not signed to a record label after forming in 2001. Loathe are busy on the live circuit as always and have a few festival slots lined up for the summer. They are recognised as Malta’s heaviest metal band and are now releasing their EP Prepare Consume Proceed. It’s been 6 years since the release of their last album Despondent by design and 3 years since the release of their latest EP Wolves In The Fold so the release of their new EP is very exciting.
The first striking feature of this album is the technical element that Loathe use in their material. Different technological features are used such as drum machines and synths often in the intros in a majority of their songs which create a very ambient sense of atmosphere. This ambience can be prolonged into an extended intro creating a freeing soundscape like in ‘Gehenna’. This track gives a very mixed mood from dual tonalities acting against each other where nothing is happening but every note is moving seamlessly onto the next at the same time.
These ambient soundscapes act as a platform to a heavier sound before relentless drums are unleashed and guttural vocals are heard. This is the case in a majority of the tracks but especially ‘Rest; In Violence’. As the title would suggest the nature of the track is very aggressive as are many of the other tracks. however this track stands out form the eerie fade out as blurred words become ever increasingly indistinguishable and instruments blend into one another.
This EP has a strong blend in technological elements which contribute greatly to the seamless connection to the next track. An intense and interesting listen.
