CoC : Ad Hominem - Climax of Hatred : Review

Ad Hominem - _Climax of Hatred_
(Avantgarde Music, 2005)
by: Pedro Azevedo (7 out of 10)

Marketed as black metal, this French band's third album strikes me as more of an amalgam of styles; whatever you may call it, it is definitely very metal. Hard-hitting guitars and bass, ballistic drums and throaty growls make up Ad Hominem's attack in this aggressive, somewhat melodic effort. The emphasis is clearly on the more aggressive side of things though, and there the band is helped by a well suited production job. The only thing that is avantgarde about _Climax of Hatred_ is the label's name of course, as the music itself is quite firmly rooted in tried and tested formulas; however, the whole affair doesn't come across as "retro" either. What _Climax of Hatred_ does have to drive all the aggression home is a number of catchy riffs, resulting in some strong numbers that help the album to keep moving without losing its audience along the way. Overall, this isn't an outstanding album, but it is effective and unpretentious, and certainly good fun to throw on the old CD player once in a while.

Contact: http://www.avantgardemusic.com

(article published 20/6/2005)

ALBUMS
7/12/2004	M Noll	7	Ad Hominem - ...For a New World