Review: “The Undertow Of Hate” by Eaten By Sharks

“We took time to fully immerse ourselves in the writing process and build a cohesive concept rooted in a single cinematic moment of horror. This album reflects a deeper understanding of who we are as artists.” ~ Eaten By Sharks

In August 2022 we enjoyed the thrill of a nautical-themed first-person horror experience as Eaten By Sharks gave us Technical Death Metal with the apex predators of the ocean in album “Eradication“. It helped that our minds were focused on the genre having recently binge watched the Sharknado movie series, the low budget thrills and spills the perfect antidote to the blood thirsty skull battering. Four years on the band return with a greater promise, said to embrace a more composition focused and cinematic approach, crafting a dark conceptual journey rooted in nautical horror and psychological collapse. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, Suffocation, Shadow of Intent, Ingested) this one is called “The Undertow Of Hate“.

Bassist Tyler Abrams, drummer Justin Whitehead (ex-Nangarri), lead guitarist Chris Chaperon, rhythm guitarist Dan Oko have been a tight unit since 2012, vocalist Matt Sherriff  joining the band in 2018 and the chemistry of time spent in each others company bleeds through the bandages from the very start of this record with the ripper that is “Vessels Torn“. A lethal dose of Canadian hatred with groove orientated guitars and technical prowess, it has a dark and brooding atmosphere that feels like a storms warning. A rampaging final third is what makes the track, the introspective lyrical narrative and searing, surgical precise guitars masterfully done.

The start of “In Tidal Chaos” may leave you thinking about Jaws as people scramble to get away from the beach but the tapping sections will raise the hairs on the back of the neck as Sherriff attempts to pierce your ear drums with his gravelly low vocals. His range is seriously impressive with some shriller moments giving the impression of two vocalists when there is only one, the sweeping solo on this one reminiscent of something August Burns Red might unveil. Neck snapping staccato riff breaks and glorious Melodic Death Metal inspired leads are the order of the day with the impressive “Capsized“, a scalding tune with a face melting solo that creates the push that makes you move.

A melancholic introduction to “Bodies Overboard” breaks up the flow of the record nicely before the band double down on poly-rhythmic riffing, odd time signatures and jackhammer footwork, showing absolutely no mercy. Vocal layering has been put to great use, the intertwining death growls and shriller tones masterfully combined in the mix. The fry screams have that dry and raspy quality while the growls are demonic especially during the repeated chant-able moments like “look at all the bodies!“. The rapid fire “Treading Water” gets the adrenaline pumping real quick, warning of a constant circle of violence with menacing muscular riffs and an introspective lyrical approach. Towards the end some DJent stylings begin to creep before they’re broken by some haunting leads, the blood curdling scream a final crescendo that will make your ears bleed. The red mist descends with blood in the water as “Dragged Under” depicts a feeding frenzy, resistance futile as the five piece rattle the cage fearfully addictive rhythmic battery.

A self destructive anthem which almost reaches Slam vocal levels of depravity “Becoming Chum” is a dark force that bleeds self immolation and yet has a gloriously vibrant solo at its bitter black heart. The crushing, weighty rhythms are a pleasure you can’t measure and while the band keep referencing the nautical horrors there is something a little more personal in this one. Dissonant leads and unstoppable technical grooves give life to “Crimson Tide” which begins to sound like a zombie apocalypse as Sherriff screams “there’s fucking bodies in the water!” at the top of his lungs. Join in at your peril as the neighbours might report you to the police. This one has more plot twists than a Stephen King novel but all roads lead to complete and utter annihilation, the razor sharp riffs enough to take your head clean off. An 86 second meandering through melancholia makes for a moment of calm in conclusion as “Surfaced Remains” plays out with the gentle sounds of the sea. You might not want this you sure as hell need it’s high octane thrills, spills and chills! [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Vessels Torn
2. In Tidal Chaos
3. Capsized
4. Bodies Overboard
5. Treading Water
6. Dragged Under
7. Becoming Chum
8. Crimson Tide
9. Surfaced Remains

“The Undertow Of Hate” by Eaten By Sharks is out 17th July 2026 via CDN Records