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Hladomrak - Fragments of the Great Dehumanization

Click for Bandcamp

Hladomrak's latest album, "Fragments of the Great Dehumanization," released on January 31, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the band's discography. This fourth studio album showcases their evolution in sound and depth, solidifying their place in among some of my top bands/projects.

Tracklist:

1. Feral Child – 4:02

2. Anthropogenic Apocalypse – 6:27

3. Omdirdaskr – 4:02

4. Perfect Slave – 5:15

5. Archaic Sacrifice – 5:45

6. Spirit of the Forest – 4:30

7. Cursed Seeds – 5:50

The album opens with 'Feral Child,' a track that encapsulates the band's signature raw energy. The main riff hits hard with intense precision, immediately pulling the listener in. The song blends powerful, fast-paced drumming with ferocious vocals, capturing the essence of Hladomrak’s unrelenting style. The riff is punchy and primal, setting the stage for the entire album while still carrying the rawness that fans know and love. It's a perfect opener—intense, aggressive, and unmistakably Hladomrak."


Check the video here

The music video for "Feral Child" is a tribute to the band's DIY ethic. Directed, filmed, and edited by Evgenij Shkenev, with post-editing by Pavel Heda and lighting by Mandus Boman, the video features members of the tightly-knit "Hladomrak Circle." Special thanks are extended to Olev Käär, Kirillah, and Guillaume Le Huche for their contributions. The video portrays a feral child navigating a desolate landscape/house, symbolizing the primal purity and raw essence of nature, themes central to the band's philosophy. you can find this video below. and full Bandcamp link on clicking the album cover above.

The second track, "Anthropogenic Apocalypse," delivers an immediate and aggressive assault on the senses. The ferocity of the fast-picked chords, combined with some of the tightest and most rapid drum beats, creates an intense listening experience. Vocal delivery is impeccable, utilizing a range of scream techniques, including elongated wails that seamlessly transition into face-melting riffs. The inclusion of clean vocals introduces an "old gothic" atmosphere, adding depth and contrast to the track.

A standout moment occurs just before the clean vocals, where simple pinch harmonic notes lead into a short yet beautifully macabre tone/melody. This attention to detail and dynamic song writing is evident and can been seen throughout the album.

Personally, my favourite track is "Cursed Seeds." This song boasts the most infectious main riff on the album, forcing you to move with its groovy and assertive energy. The in your face tone instantly sparked my intrigue. The halfway mark introduces trigger-happy blast beats accompanied by brilliant chord progressions, showcasing the band's versatility. The layered vocals and marching band-esque ending create a vast soundscape that will resonate with any riff-oriented black metal enthusiast. For me, Hladomrak songs are all about the awesome riff/drum combos, And I personally feel this song is the best for that.

In a conversation with the band's founder, Evgenerator, he revealed that the inspiration for the song Omdirdaskr came to him through three separate dreams, with the main riff presenting itself in a vivid manner. This punctual and raw riff offers a more refined and polished version of Hladomrak's classic sound. It’s worth noting that Evgenerator's craftsmanship extends beyond music. In the Omdirdaskr video, he showcases a guitar made from real antlers, exemplifying him and his band's commitment to authenticity and their connection to nature. I’d quickly like to say that this song Omdirdaskr also has one of my personal favorite riffs from the album. Just listen to it for yourself and tell me it’s not fucking brilliant from start to finish!



In conclusion, "Fragments of the Great Dehumanization" feels like Hladomrak's greatest album to date. Knowing personally how much work went into it, they should be immensely proud of the outcome. While "Inner Death" has long stood in my top 15 black metal albums, I genuinely believe this new release will surpass it over time. I happily rate this album 9/10 for its exceptional composition, production, and the relentless passion evident in every track. Hladomrak continues to impress with their ability to consistently produce killer tracks without any sense of dilution or rush, a feat that is nothing short of remarkable. Their dedication to creating everything on their own terms—from music production to editing, filming, and props—is truly commendable.

For those unfamiliar with this Swedish powerhouse, now is the perfect time to delve into their discography and show them the support they deserve.


9-10: Exceptional

7-8: Good, Great

5-6: Average, Decent

3-4: Fair, Mediocre

1-2: Poor, Subpar

Grading system.