Label: Metal Blade Records
Release date: May 2nd, 2025
Since 1990, Hate bravely tread the trails of metal, pushing the boundaries with each new album. Same as their compatriots, Behemoth, they released their thirteen album in 2025. “Bellum Regiis” as the band founder, Sinner, explains is lyrically a more humanity focused and personal album than “Rugia” (2021, Metal Blade Records). Songs on this album are a timely aural and visual exploration of a struggle for power and everything that comes with it, according to his words.
In early stages, the band focused lyrics on Satanism and anti-Christianity but as they transferred to the realm of esotericism and Slavic mysticism, this is where they caught my attention. “Bellum Regiis” (A War of Royalty or A War of Kings), was announced by the video, released on April 22nd. The narrative parts in the Greek language, as well as the guest appearance of Eliza Sacharczuk, stand out in the song, giving it a special charm. Engaging Eliza Sacharczuk, Polish Renowned singer and voice teacher who already cooperated with Патриархь on “Пророк Илия / Prorok Ilja”, Hate gave another dimension to this song.
The next song, “Iphigenia” leads us to the world of Greek mythology. The eldest daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra whose story has many different interpretations in Greek mythology, and mostly it is differ in endings, inspired Hate to immortalize the maiden of sacrifice in a dramatic song and sign it in the history books, or nowadays Wikipedia under the section modern interpretation. In the center of her story, and the Hate song, is sacrifice and love. Hate leads us to the time of Trojan War where Iphigenia chooses death over life, and verses: death will be my marriage, my children and my glory, strongly depict her strong will.
“The Vanguard” by its length and grandiosity is an epic masterpiece. The fast tempo song abounds with versatility, orchestral intro as well as great acoustic outro, melodic and brutal sound. Brutal it must be since we are dealing with the army who is fearlessly destroying the enemy.
“A Ghost of Lost Delight” is closing the “epic” chapter of four songs which length goes over 6 minutes. Death metal spiced with blackened elements, with wide tempo amplitude, from sharp guitar riffs to gentle acoustic touch, this is the most versatile song of the album.
From ancient Greece, “Rite of Triglav” transfers us to Slavic ground, and at the same time to the other part of the album. When we look at the album as a whole: the length of the songs, the names of the songs, the thematic, motifs for example, we can roughly divide the album into two parts. The first part, as already mentioned, are the first four songs, and the rest of the album speaks another story. “Rite of Triglav” colossally opens another realm, female vocals, war drums, battle cries, Latin verses Sic Luceat Lux (so let there be light)… Perfect! I must admit, the second part of the album, starting with this song, suits my sensibility more. At the same time, this is as I would say the blast from the past, awakening of the good old Hate spirit of past times. Again, female vocals give the special dimension and now I am addicted!
“Alfa Inferi Goddess of War” as I am informed, is the first song the band wrote for this album. Again, narration parts and slightly added female vocals are spicing the song and enhance overall impression. “Prophet of Arkhen” delivers massive sound, it is pumped with energy and when you listen to it carefully, you have a feeling that all the instruments are played by enormous supernatural power. If I must single out the best song title, which I never do, but “Ageless Harp of Devilry” is just tempting me to say – yes, that’s it! Very explosive song, intentionally or not, is saved as the last one. This song again brings us to the ground of ancient Greece.
The music is perfectly complemented by the album cover: The old king who has lost everything but his dignity, pride and the crown! What more do you need?
Vader, Decapitated, Behemoth, Hate. This would be my list of top Polish metal bands. But with “Bellum Regiis”, Hate is threatening to climb higher or better to say to win a battle in war of kings.
