By: Deek

Posted: Dec 4, 2005

Five years ago, The Project Hate introduced themselves to the world with "Cyber Sonic Super Christ". It was a unique mix of electronics and death metal that had a huge epic sound that had never been tried before. It, along with 2001's follow up "When We Are Done Your Flesh Will Be Ours", required an acquired taste to enjoy. Two years later in 2003, "Hate Dominate Congregate Eliminate" was unleashed on the world. It quickly became an album that I personally considered to be a perfect album (I did a review of it for Scandinavian Metal, which became a part of Nocturnal Horde, also). That album was so damn amazing in my mind, I couldn't wait for a new one to see if they could keep that glory. Here they are, two years later and "Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies Of Slit Wrists)" is here.

'At The Entrance To Hell's Unholy Fire' opens with a vengeance. Strangely enough, this is one of the weaker songs on the album. Not saying it's bad, just not up to par with some of the rest of the album. Yet, it sets the pace for the album. At the same time, it becomes apparent that overall variety with the music is noticeable, at least more noticeable than before. As we get through the pummelling 'The Bleeding Eyes Of A Breeding Whore', we get to the brilliant 'I See Nothing But Flesh', arguably the strongest song on here. The female vocals work perfectly with this one. One thing of note, overall there are more female vocals on this album than before, and it gives great contrast with the female vocals overlaying the brutal music. 'Resurrected For Massive Torture' is another amazing song that has a lot of melody to it, easily the most melodic of the heavy songs here. 'We Couldn't Be Further From The Truce' is another song that just seems to not be up to par with the rest of the album. Yet, 'Godslaughtering Murder Machine' makes up for that, being the other arguably best song on here. 'Symphony Of The Deceived' has a huge demonic feel to it, great ending heavy song. Once again, the album closes with a non-heavy, melodic song with all female vocals, but this time not as operatic or epic but more rock based (especially in the drumming). 'Loveless, Godless, Flawless' is a nice closer for the album that was done in a way that I definitely didn't expect. Throughout, the electronics and keyboards that are on the album mesh perfectly with the guitars, bass and drums. That has been one thing the band has done nearly flawlessly throughout their four studio albums.

This album is relentless. Definitely another great extreme album from the Swedish masters. Unfortunately, I think my expectations for the album were too much and the album didn't hit them. It seems like all the songs follow the same pattern. That definitely hurt. But the brilliance that shows in this album helps a lot, and I feel this will be one of the top death metal albums of the year.

Rating: 9/10

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