Handful of Hate
" Gruesome Splendour "
Cruz Del Sur - 2006
Reviewed by: Peter Santellan
Date Reviewed - 02/12/2007

Track Listing:
01. Livid
02. Theory of Perfection
03. Used to Discipline
04. Tied, Whipped...Educated
05. Grotesque in Pleasure, Rotten in Vice
06. Reproach and Blame
07. Spawn of Decadence
08. Whiplaw
09. Ejaculation Dementiae

Rated:
6.5/10

Total Play Time:
35:52

Bands Webpage

Handful of Hate has been around since 1993, but until their latest release Gruesome Splendour, they had largely not been a known commodity. After listening to the album, either the wait will be worth it or it will not be worth it.

Handful of Hate does not get the recognition that fellow Italian black metallers Graveworm get, but that is not what the band is about. In fact, they are about straight forward black metal with a relentless rhythym section, guitars that slice through the sonicscape, and vocals that will test the listener's pain tolerance. One of the things that make Gruesome Splendour a worthwhile listen is the fact that there are no symphonic keybaord effects, which traditionally kill the intended effect most black metal bands og for because of the oversaturation of the sound. The vocals are alright, but not entirely a stand out feature, which is good because most black metal bands that want recognition will try and imitate Cradle of Filth. The rest of the music is what should be expected of a black metal band in a relatively small package, since the album barely tops the 35 minute mark. The song titles at times can drive a grammar obsessed person nuts while at the same time, just gross out the rest of the normal population. One of the downsides of the album is the last track Ejaculation Dememntiae, which is largely instrumental filler that leaves a sour taste with the listener.

Handful of Hate will never be a household name, and that is the way it should be for most black metal bands. Gruesome Splendour does not exactly come up big, but they make a solid effort with few musical errors apart from the last track. If you want no-frills black metal, try Handful of Hate's Gruesome Splendour. It will be a nice addition to the black metal collection.