Review by Nekrist on April 2, 2025.

Hate Forest is one of the most respected and well-known bands in the Ukrainian underground scene, a respect earned through the consistency and quality they have maintained throughout their career.

"Hour of the Centaur" unexpectedly surprised fans of this project (myself included) after fifteen years of inactivity, and pleasantly demonstrated that the strength and power of Hate Forest remains intact after all these years. The lyrical themes continue to focus on ancestors and archaic tradition, seen through a "Völkisch" and "Nietzschean" prims, which for many has been highly controversial and sketchy within the Ukrainian black metal scene.

However, and to the annoyance of many, Hate Forest remains an insatiable warlike steamroller that destroys and crushes everything and everyone in its path. Hate Forest's discography has always been characterized by the Transylvanian Hunger-esque use of minimalism and monotony (in a good way) that has characterized all of their albums. "The Hour of the Centaur" is no exception, featuring devastating riffs with melodic moments (albeit very timidly) that constantly assault the listener. Roman Sayenko's vocals continue to project total hatred and misanthropy, utilizing «death growls» instead of the stereotypical high-pitched, squealing vocals of black metal.

The drums may be a handicap for some, as they are (and always have been) programmed, although from my point of view they sound very good and "natural" if you will. Throughout Hate Forest's discography, the drums have a savage sound, which helps create an imposing and impenetrable "sound wall." Combined with Sayenko's ferocious riffs and growls, creating a titanic and merciless sound that not many are able to appreciate or even endure.

Choosing individual songs in this visceral style of black metal is difficult. Although the songs can be perfectly enjoyed individually, it's much better to listen to the album as a whole from start to finish in order to fully immerse ourselves in its chaotic and sinister atmosphere.

When talking about Roman Sayenko, it's inevitable to mention Drudkh, who have achieved greater popularity with their atmospheric, folky, and melancholic black metal style. However, Hate Forest, Blood of Kingu, and more recently Precambrian share that dark, evil feeling I enjoy so much in extreme metal, a magnificent work that once again demonstrated Mr. Sayenko's immaculate composition skills. An absolute ten for me.

Rating: 10 out of 10