Review: “Chasing the Wind” by Crucible of Hate

Celebrating a decade of destruction having emerged from their crypts in Lancaster Ohio in 2016, Death Groove powerhouse Crucible of Hate have followed 2023 album “The Unknown Path” with EP “Chasing the Wind“. Exploring the futility of resisting change, the inner turmoil of facing life’s difficult decisions, and other personal struggles, the new material was recorded, mixed and mastered by long time collaborator Neil Tuuri (Ruins Of Yith, Horseburner, Friends For Sale) at Amish Electric Chair studio in Athens, Ohio. As a quartet, the band pull from a wider sphere of influence than most, their roots stretch back to the 90’s Ohio Metal scene with members having spent time in Black Metal act The Conquering, Thrash crew Skullbomb and Melodic Death Metal monsters The C.O.A.S.T. 

Rhythm and lead guitarist Donny Phillips, drummer Matt Rivera, rhythm guitarist Pete Rensch alongside vocalist and bassist Dan Rivera begin this journey down the left hand path with an eerie macabre introduction to “No Gods, No Masters” from which an old school Death Metal riff arises with monstrous malevolent powers. Flavours of old school Sepultura flow the through the veins of this one as the band embrace barked vocals and chugging riffs, the percussive battery rising from the shadow of intent to pummel your cranium into oblivion. Tight and groovy, the track has instant appeal with some classic Thrash riffs rearing their ugly heads when you least expect them.

Increasing intensity with bursts of blast beats and Blackened Death Metal riffs “For There is None” finds the band changing sonic direction like the shifting sands of the Sahara as the winds blow. The quartet focus on substance as well as style, demonstrating prowess gained through years of dedication to craft and while the only thing to link the two songs sonically is the vocals, it doesn’t matter because this one is utterly sublime. Matching the bleaker lyrical narrative of the first cut while having a much darker atmospheric and incredible riffs, this one shines like gold at the bottom of the ocean floor.

A sinister and menacing riff is accompanied by dry raspy vocals as “Obliterate the Madness” takes shape, the intricate drumming adding another dimension to the old school Death Metal sounds with Carcass an obvious influence. A lyrical narrative about finding the strength to do what must be done despite the cost resonates, the bands blood and thunder approach more than enough to put an evil grin on the face of even the most hardened of Metal heads.

Title track “Chasing the Wind” begins with a tornado of souls created from a whirlwind of percussive battery, the ferocious introduction setting the tone for crushing weighty riffs and harsh vocals to follow. That flows into Black Metal influenced sounds with soaring leads and an undercurrent of melancholia before transcending into Death Thrash once more, the seamless transition between the two styles meaning that the composition and musicianship shines. A soaring solo, blast beats and rumbling bass end the record on a high, leaving you wanting more, which is exactly how it should be [8/10]

Track Listing

1. No Gods, No Masters
2. For There is None
3. Obliterate the Madness
4. Chasing the Wind

“Chasing the Wind” by Crucible of Hate is out 28th August 2026 and is available over at bandcamp