Track Review: “Reason To Hate” by From Eden To Exile

There are no two ways about it – Northampton Groove Metallers From Eden To Exile are no strangers to adversity having delt with more than their fair share of line up changes since their critically acclaimed debut album “Modern Disdain” was released in 2017. Having unleashed the incredible EP “Age Of Fire” in 2020 with the assistance of producer and engineer Neil Hudson of Initiate Audio and Media (Krysthla, Siderian, Sharkteeth Grinder), a more damage was inflicted with the departure of vocalist Tom Frankin and bassist Mike Bell thanks to the period we affectionately refer to as the Great Plague years. Not ones to throw in the towel, the band regrouped and brought on board vocalist Marcin Durmaj, a man known for winning Metal 2 The Masses with Ashborn. The next step was an introduction single and for the purpose the band created “Reason To Hate”  produced at Studio 6 by Stu McKay (Dyscarnate, Ingested, Harbinger) and mastered by Fredrik Nordström (Architects, Skeletonwitch, Dark Tranquillity). The dawn of a new age?

Lyrically “Reason To Hate” explores the division caused by conflicting beliefs – whether that be through religion, race, creed, gender or culture, and how that it is a conscious decision to either tolerate and respect people with differing beliefs or backgrounds to ourselves or to “find another reason to hate” while musically it finds the band utilizing 7 string guitars for the first time in their illustrious carrier. Listening to the track, the riffs provide plenty of bounce in mosh pit starting fashion as they approach a the technical side of the Groove Metal genre while having a vibrancy in places that drives down the darkness. It packs plenty of punch without having a face melting solo, instead having a solid breakdown section that allows for the rhythmic pummelling from Jake Patrick behind the kit to shine. The injection of a couple of melodic breaks with Durmaj offering up some clean vocals that are layered up with the gravelly uncleans to give the impression of a dual vocal attack during the build back up works really well because the band don’t overcook it. There is enough clean vocal to give us a taste, without needing a slow down in tempo that breaks the flow or change in dynamic to allow for it, something which is testament to the strength of the bands musicianship. It also has to be said that the work of both McKay and Nordström begs to be applauded as the clean crisp sound they’ve given the band ensures that they are allowed to shine while the mix is absolutely perfect. Welcome to a new era [8.5/10]