Stained Glory – Hate Corrodes EP Review

Hailing from Columbia, Stained Glory have already made a name for themselves in their native country, having been endorsed by ESP guitars; and beyond, having attained the services of Dave Otero, a producer whose enviable list of credits includes Cepahlic Carnage, Midgard and Inferi. ‘Hate corrodes’ is a three track EP which serves as a strong introduction to the band, demonstrating a wide range of influences from Pantera and Machine Head to Alice in Chains and Gojira.

Opening with the lead single, ‘Beast’, the band immediately set about reducing the opposition to dust with a grinding riff set to a towering barrage of percussion. However, it’s not simply a whirlwind assault of speed-metal riffs and Stained Glory take the listener through a number of tempos and styles, with melodic vocals rubbing up against deathly roars and mid-tempo-chugs suddenly exploding into epic blackened frenzy. There’s even space for a stately, melodic solo, and although the mix of elements might look incongruous on paper, Stained Glory bring each aspect together perfectly and the result is a crushing, heavy metal monster that will get necks snapping everywhere. No less impressive is the vital surge of ‘Convenient monstrosity’ which has a caustic, staccato riff that gives way to some neat twin guitar work as the song progresses. Clearly a band who have taken on board a huge number of influences, Stained Glory craft them into a coherent whole that is taut, brutal and exciting and as the EP progresses, the band’s own unique identity emerges. The final track, ‘Hate corrodes, doubt divides’, is a highlight with a ferocious groove and addictive melody. Backed up by some of the EP’s most astonishing musicianship, it is one of those metal songs that makes you want to jump, scream  and headbang until you collapse. Put simply, ‘Hate corrodes…’ is a brilliant metal anthem – exciting, innovative and played with unswerving passion and defiance. It’s exactly what I want from a modern metal track and it definitely will keep you coming back for more.

Short, brutal and a lot of fun, ‘Hate Corrodes’ is a fine EP and I expect to hear much more the band in the future. The production errs on the treble-heavy at times, but there’s also a clarity and power which really becomes clear as the EP progresses and, by the time ‘Hate corrodes…’ emerges to give you a full-frontal lobotomy, it’s clear that Dave Otero pitched it just right, keeping the instruments neatly separated and plenty of power in reserve, waiting for the perfect moment at which to unleash it. Drawing on a wide range of influences Stained Glory deliver a sound that, rather than adhering to any one narrow sub-genre, embodies the spirit of heavy metal. Highly recommended. 9

Find out more about the band via their official Facebook Page.