By: Ashley Parrish Otteman
Denver-based Nu-Deathcore band HATED dropped their EP "9411" over a year ago (Feb 10, 2023), and here I am, fashionably late to the party. Fusing Deathcore's aggressive blast beats and breakdowns with nu-metal's rhythm and melody, the band crafts a sound as brutal as it is complex. You see, this genre is the lifeblood of my sad and splintered soul, and I was regrettably unaware of this band's existence. So even though I’m late—I just had to write this.
HATED stands out with unmistakable clarity in a genre teetering on the edge of oversaturation. They blend the quintessential elements of deathcore-- and a layer of electronic flair that instantly intrigued me. I feel like I have uncovered a secret musical treasure, one I am eager to broadcast, ready to be that friend who won’t stop talking about their latest find.
After binging their full discography, including the equally compelling "None are Equal" EP from 2020, I've discovered their music not only captivates but also delivers an intense, high-quality auditory experience at every turn. This begs the question: Why aren’t these guys headlining every dark, dingy venue known to humankind?
“9411” is a journey through controlled chaos. Jordan Taylor’s vocals, from low growls to whisper-screams inject raw emotion into each tortured track. Alongside him, Colton Krohn’s guitar work, Greg Kennan’s bass, and Mike Nolan’s drumming blend seamlessly, highlighting each member's talent.
The EP delves into the depths of mental suffering, exploring suicide and mental anguish without reservation. Yet, within this darkness lies a thread of catharsis—a musical lifeline for those in pain. The band's intention is not to glorify suicide, but to offer support and understanding to those who may be suffering.
The title track, "9411," sets the stage with a dark intensity that masterfully escalates the tension, highlighting not only the impressive vocals but also the band's distinctive siren-esque guitar sound that resonates throughout the EP.
Building on the intensity, "N9ver Better" ramps up the energy, pushing the boundaries further with its blend of relentless aggression and catchy hooks, showcasing the band's versatility and deepening the EP’s exploration of emotional turmoil. The accompanying video (available on the band’s YouTube) hits hard, showing how minor annoyances can accumulate, making life seem unbearable. A word of caution-- it's intense, so proceed with care. The track itself is a powerhouse, featuring relentless blast beats, a heavy breakdown, a noticeably rich bass tone, and a perfectly timed "Blegh."
As the EP progresses,"Dr4gged" dials up the heaviness and showcases the band's technical abilities and aggressive vocals. This intensity is then masterfully contrasted by "V.O.1.D", an atmospheric breather that momentarily eases the relentless energy, all while building the suspense for the next track.
“Empt1ed” erupts with the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the dome, demonstrating the band's innovative approach to song structure by alternating calming breaks with intense, chaotic bursts. It’s an absolute beast of a song-- and my personal favorite.
Wrapping up the EP is another standout, "Execvte II.” This track grips you through a mix of aggressive instrumentation and melodic layers, creating a rich, textured vibe that keeps building tension. Produced at the Blasting Room, the track’s production values deserve a nod as well, as they manage to balance clarity with the raw energy essential to the genre, allowing each element to shine without sacrificing the overall heaviness.
Overall, “9411” stands out due to exceptional instrumentation coupled with top-tier vocals, which undeniably showcase HATED’s brilliance. They appear to have every vital component in place to be unstoppable. In fact, my only gripe is that they are difficult to Google. Type “Hated band” into your search engine and you are met with a plethora of unrelated rant videos, or worse, Nickelback.
Despite my obvious fangirl enthusiasm, HATED’s “9411” deserves every bit of the acclaim. I haven’t had a chance to catch them live yet, but after the journey they just took me on, I am certainly planning on it. So, If you've got a chance, absolutely catch their live show— They play Saturday, March 9th at the Black Sheep in Colorado Springs and Friday, April 12th at The Roxy in Denver. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the "Execvte II" video dropping on February 23. Want to stalk them online? (In the most wholesome way, of course.) You can find them on Facebook or Hit up [https://linktr.ee/wearehated] and on Instagram at we.are.hated. You can also dive into the rabbit hole on all major streaming platforms.
See you in the circle pit!