Thrash acts continue to grow in unexpected directions, almost as if sensing the end of their species in this second evolution. Bands like HATETREND often attempt to incorporate elements from the ever-expanding Metalcore and Melodic Death scenes, and “Borrowed Time” seems quite content in pushing the envelope even further. At times the release ventures into an Avant-garde / Black blend while clinging to Thrash and classic Heavy Metal roots. In terms of genre the release is a mess; however, in terms of effectiveness the disc suffers little.

HATETREND explore modern Thrash with pinched harmonics, dropped tunings, and discernable guttural vocals. Occasional departures into clean vocals detract from the intensity of tracks such as the opener, “This Is The Suffering,” but the release will appeal to fans of the Thrash revival. The drum kit boasts a mid-nineties PANTERA mix, and the guitar work verges on melodic. A well-developed lead style appears throughout the release as guitarists Tuukka Turunen and Jaakko Suomalainen pick with a calculated methodology and seldom play beyond their capabilities. In total, the music on “Borrowed Time” leaves little room for criticism provided that one likes and follows the genre.

Lyrically the Finns do quite well in presenting traditional Thrash themes under a fresh, distinctive voice. HATETREND focuses on abandoned relationships, war, and betrayal throughout the release, and often the protagonist gains insight through introspection:

I don’t know maybe I pushed you too far?
Perhaps I’m the guilty one here?
But I never went behind your back and assembled an army to take you down

Each track expresses inner strength through a careful analysis of previous weaknesses and almost always the subject has an antagonist. The concluding efforts push Markus Mutta’s vocals to the point of over-exertion, detracting from the desired effect with an overdose of masculinity.

In total the twenty-one minute release offers a fair mixture of craft and style. In time metal heads may exchange HATETREND in the steady list of names discussed as titans, but the band and the genre require a lot of settling before this vision can become a reality.

(Online October 20, 2007)