With the recording of "Famine (or into the Bellies of Worms)" complete, it is now possible to state with absolute confidence: Hateful Abandon is England's finest, most unique new band. Dark pop, post-punk and a hint of black metal collide in dream-like anthems of deeply personal and lurid art. Hateful Abandon are genre-defining and totally unrestrained by any conventions.
Instantly memorable songs are crafted with intricately textured guitars, an earthy bass and perfectly accented drums. The vocals are unparalleled and a brave contrast to the lazy, predictable efforts of many bands in any of the genres Hateful Abandon approaches. Battling between rich, deep, strong yet still human and fragile; and the most painful, retching screams.
Famine is a landmark album, independent from any perceived contexts. It marks the beginning of a band about to tear through underground music.
Review
Still undoubtedly dark but in a more brooding sense than the overly distorted blackness of old, the material on "Famine" sounds like a weird cross between "Heart of the Ages"-era In The Woods... , Sisters of Mercy and Alcest, with elements of dark-pop, gothic rock and the odd hint of black metal all somehow intertwined in one dark psychedelic haze. - Hierophant Nox 5/5