When I first got this CD for review, I noticed that these guys come from the ice-cold Finland. I don't want to sound racist but most times I come across a Finnish band, they are all about whiny Goth guys that continuously talk about how miserable life is and such kind shitty topics. After some research about this band, I have to say some good things and some bad...
As I mentioned above, Ablaze In Hatred originate from Finland. They are a pretty new band, since they were formed in 2004. Their first release (a promo CD), Closure Of Life, was in 2005, after Antti and Miska had joined the ranks of Ablaze In Hatred. The members of this band have previously worked with bands like Searing Meadow, Fall Of The Leafe and Embers Left. After their contract with Firebox Records in 2005, Ablaze In Hatred release their debut album Deceptive Awareness through sub-division Firedoom Music.
So, Ablaze In Hatred is a band, which can best be described as Melodic Death/Doom Metal. You got it right. They play this classic style where melancholic melodies are everywhere in the songs and they try to produce the suicidal atmosphere that every Finnish band tries to. Their melodies reminded me a bit of Eternal Tears Of Sorrow's Sinner's Serenade era melodies. They have this slow and heavy riffing which sometimes may challenge you to headbang. Their music is close to Swallow The Sun, but in a bit more personal style. Their compositions are interesting and even though I hate this whiny style of music, I think that Death/Doomsters will find this band pretty nice. I checked some reviews for this album and saw that some people admire this band's work. I admit that I don't like this style of music at all, but I definitely can sense some talent in these guys. The production doesn't even need to be commented. Classic production for this kind of music, raw but heavy as hell! One more thing that annoyed me (and generally annoys me in this genre of Metal), is the big duration of the tracks.
Anyway, I would suggest you check these guys out. I am not the expert for this music genre, but I did my best being objective and mentioning all the good and bad points of this release. Judge by yourselves...