What makes Hate Them by Darkthrone notable?

Hate Them was significant for its critical reception, with many reviewers noting its raw energy and unpolished authenticity as a return to form. The album solidified Darkthrone's status as influential figures in the black metal scene, helping to inspire a generation of bands seeking to blend genres like punk and metal. Released in 2003, Hate Them marked Darkthrone's transition from their earlier pure black metal roots into a more eclectic sound. This album followed the band's acclaimed release, Plaguewielder, and showcased their willingness to incorporate punk influences into their heavy metal aesthetic, reflecting an evolution in their artistic identity.

Who is Hate Them for?

Hate Them works well if you're into steady mid-tempo aggression, raw energy for rebellion and in-order listening experience.

How many songs are on Hate Them?

Hate Them has 7 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Hate Them

Darkthrone · 2003

38 min · 7 tracks · black metal

Raw, unrefined black metal merges with punk energy, creating a visceral auditory assault that challenges traditional genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rust — Opening the album, this track sets a confrontational tone with aggressive riffs and an unapologetically chaotic structure that encapsulates the band’s ethos.
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Det svartner nå — This track exemplifies the marriage of black metal's dark atmosphere with punk rock's defiance, showcasing Darkthrone's unique sound evolution.
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Fucked Up and Ready to Die — With its straightforward lyrics and relentless pace, this song embodies the raw spirit of rebellion prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's raw energy and genre-blending approach mark it as a notable entry in Darkthrone's discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a raw, aggressive tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, moving from blast beats to slower, heavier riffs that create a jarring effect.
Vocals are delivered in a harsh, guttural style that often overlaps with the instrumentation, making lyrics difficult to discern.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo aggression
raw energy for rebellion
in-order listening experience
dark themes of defiance

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat or light music
seek polished production quality

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks a shift in sound from pure black metal to a more eclectic style.
Career context: Released in 2003, Hate Them marked Darkthrone's transition from their earlier pure black metal roots into a more eclectic sound. This album followed the band's acclaimed release, Plaguewielder, and showcased their willingness to incorporate punk influences into their heavy metal aesthetic, reflecting an evolution in their artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors: Burzum· Mayhem· Immortal