Old demo-tape from 1988 re-releases in 2020/2021 with a bonus-rehearsal from 1987.
Recorded in Norrköping, Sweden, in 1984.
Disc 1-7: "Thrash Invasion" demo (1988)
Disc 8-13: Rehearsal tracks (1987)
Warhate is a group that wouldn't even get a flying chance. Their near-sighted problem is that they were inspired by the same camp as many other death-thrash groups in the 80's were: Celtic Frost, Sodom, Bathory, Destruction, Slayer, and others that were treasured just as equally in their earlier days. Instead of the market swinging towards Warhate, its lumbering tail caught and knocked them off balance, to only put out some demos and a rehearsal, and then a 7" in '90 that plays death metal.
The production went through a few washes and has its colors running into each other, causing the logos to be only nearly legible and come out with a few holes and unremovable stains. It has that cave dwelling feel that you wouldn't want to leave your laundry out to dry, for fear of a bat flying and tangling itself in your linen.
The music is set up with an alternate lead vocalist, sort of like how Kreator's 'Endless Pain' is arranged. Here, Roger vocalizes on the even tracks, and Alex on the odd. Both have a very similar self-distorted, raspy tone. They use a similar technique with quick-words then pause, quick-words then pause. The guitars help enhance this because they will typically add a fill when the vocalist pauses. The music itself doesn't go into speeds like some other extreme metal bands were doing in Brazil at the time. The beat is still situated at a thrash beat with some mid-paced sections. The song structures aren't likely to knock you out of your wits, although the bass stands out with a prominent purpose and is a cool feature as it bounces itself alongside the guitars. The guitarist plays simplistic back and forth, chord-laden thrash riffs: plenty of chug and a focused attention on trying to be as crushing as possible. The effect isn't completely staggering, we've heard some of these riffs before on the aforementioned bands to a better degree, and most importantly to a more versatile level. On their own, they match a paced notion, for a head-bang nod, but that's kind of all they're good for: pounding riff for riff without that lasting nudge of memorability as a whole.
Each instrument is heard, but I think a better production would have definitely helped out these guys with this style. Since these types of primitive riffs definitely require more weight behind them. Some of the songs stand out, like 'Destructive Action' and 'Black Future.' These songs work because it seems like they took their time and added some varied abilities. Like a technique of using a string of words on 'Destructive' instead of the monotonous pausing methods of most of the other songs. And 'Black Future's original sounding opening riff to pull you in for the rest of the track. For the most part, the other tracks aren't horrible and there's some decent riffs scattered here and there, but I feel as a whole the song writing lacks a valid originality and memorability. It's one thing to have your influences, but it's another thing to have them crowd your album. In all respects, unless that is all a certain band is going for, they might as well become a touring band. Because honestly, not because this is terrible, it really isn't, but I doubt this release would of made it very far outside of Brazil or very long on its own at that point for these very reasons. (Next review: Headhunter D.C. - Hell is Here demo)
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
