Made of Hate is a bit of an enigma. They seem to have roots in the European power metal field but with a very thrashy element also. When you add the atrocious Cookie Monster vocals of Radek Polrolniczak it ends up being a disc that really shines musically but because of Radek's voice this album is dragged down considerably. They have a very cool approach and the guitar playing of Mike Kostrzynski is the focal point and really the best reason to buy the album. Each song contains a plethora of dynamic solos and it is easy to see that Mike does all the songwriting.
I have listen to this one many times in the hope that Radek's vocals were just something of an acquired taste but sad to say I could not get past the fact that the best song on the album is the instrumental hidden track at the end of the disc. The rest are certainly palatable as there is some terrific music throughout but there is the vocal problem and also a sameness that permeates Pathogen. The songs have a tendency to blend together and you find yourself waiting for the guitar solos that are bound to happen. I did find "Russian Roulette" as one of the highlights on the album as it leans to the thrash metal side of the scales with some very power metal interludes. They almost sound like a poor man's Crematory on this one.
I also found the song "Lock 'N' Load" a very interesting piece with the clean vocals of Mike harmonizing with Radek and it kind of balances out this dynamic bit of power metal. I could almost hear Iron Maiden musically but definitely not Dickinson behind the mic.
There is enough talent in this band to carry them a long ways if they realize the shortcomings and correct it. Quit trying to be the next Children of Bodem and do what you do best!
Track listing:
1. Friend
2. Russian Roulette
3. You Departed
4. I Can't Believe
5. Lock 'n' Load
6. Pathogen
7. False Flag
8. Questions
9. (Untitled) Hidden Track
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