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Fast, barebones, guttural death metal is what Hatred Reigns offer us here, and it's bound to awaken the ancients indeed. The production is a little muddy, but I find that this works very well here, giving the songs a bit of a DIY feel and also making them sound darker and borderline nightmarish. The growls are delivered with attitude and make me want to headbang all by themselves. The drumming is fast, as can be expected, and I found myself noticing it more than the guitars, which is not something I often say. Also noticeable is the bass being showcased more than usual, to great effect. If you're into death metal at all, chances are good that you've heard this kind of no-frills death metal before, but in this crowded genre, Awaken the Ancients is certainly worth a listen.