Entry 137 - Hecate Enthroned - Dark Requiems and Unsilent Massacre

 

It's nearly impossible to talk about early Hecate Enthroned without mentioning their similarity to Cradle of Filth. The resemblance is so uncanny Hecate Enthroned were often labeled as a clone band.

Despite the similarities between the two bands the sound that early Cradle and Hecate bring to the table is still rather unique, and to my ears still provides a decent enough listen.

Hecate Enthroned play black metal with heavy gothic influence. This is keyboard drenched, well produced, highly melodic black metal. The vocals are a high shriek that bare a striking resemblance to Dani Filth.

The one thing that Hecate has going for them is that they are able to pack a lot of ideas and melodies into a relatively short package. This album is 10 tracks and just under 45 minutes long.

The album also seems like it was designed for vinyl. Each one of the sides starts with an instrumental. Each one sets a dark tone before the music comes in to shred your ears.

The one thing I don't quite understand though is the drums. They are usually well executed, but in some passages they seem intentionally sloppy. This dude can play fast, and can play accurately, sometimes it feels like its a continuous choice to not play in tempo or accurately.

The drums aside the rest of the album is quite the enjoyable listen. With a length perfect for a single LP, it never overstays its welcome. While it probably won't ever make a best of year list for me the album is an enjoyable listen for what it is.