'Ascending' is the third full-length for this Norwegian metalcore band. Valid comparisons are likely to be made to heavyweights like Thy Art is Murder, Fleshgod Apocalypse and Lamb of God. The Hate Colony is absolutely brutal here, creating twelve abrasive cuts that ebb and flow with a variety of influences. There is a hint of electronics here and there, accenting furious fretwork and a chugging start and stop rhythm. Vocals are the cookie cutter variety with the more streamlined tracks like 'The Collector' and 'The Undertaker' keeping my attention. Definitely one of the heaviest albums of 2017.