EP REVIEW: Abortofacient - In the Crypt of Gore (2022)

 

Abortofacient - In the Crypt of Gore

Belgium

Nuclear War Now!

 

Why am I reviewing a death metal EP that was recorded in February 2021 and released in July 2022 (according to Discogs)?  

Firstly, it is really that darned good (to me, obviously).  Secondly, I find it quite shocking that despite being released by the prestigious NWN! label there is no ‘proper’ online review or feature of this band or the EP (save for two Instagram posts and a YouTube unboxing video haha). Not even in Encyclopaedia Metallum……Unless there is something wrong with my google search engine or word search skills. If not, this would be a right ‘exclusive' for Death by Hammer zine; you read it here first, folks! 

This band is a trio (Bone Consumer, Puking Guts and Rotten Putrid) from Belgium and the EP follows from their 2020 demo Corpus Rotting. The CD version is a must to own as it includes the 3-track demo that was only released on tape. This is some seriously primal and primeval death metal from the depths (of the crypts, duh); everything moves at slow to midtempo pace with no groove, no churn, no speedy blastbeats (very few, and at not more than a canter), etc. 

The music, vocals and atmosphere are just so thick, filthy, and musty, and the whole affair suffocates with marvelous finesse. This is the soundtrack to the crypt residents clambering out of their resting places to hunt down the team of archaeologists for a hearty wwwwuuuurrrghhhhhhhh meal. 

Since getting this, I have played the shuck out of it (I may need a second sealed copy soon, maybe the vinyl as well ahaha). I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who likes a slow n’ steady sewage fest for their death metal. (Unkle Superion) 

EP review: Lux Sine Lumine - Lux Sine Lumine II (2024)

Lux Sine Lumine - Lux Sine Lumine II

UK

The Centipede Abyss

 

As someone who mostly listens to extreme metal, I have to admit that it can be quite refreshing to hear something a little different from what I usually listen to, like Lux Sine Lumine.

 
Admittedly, I’m a bit uncertain how to accurately describe the music on this release, but I will try my best. Basically, it's a kind of harrowing ambient music with lots of psychedelic and doom elements. The tracks are lengthy and spacey, sounding like an acid trip into the realms of some otherworldly dimension. The music is quite expansive, eerie and nightmarish, but also very immersive.

Lux Sine Lumine sounds like the artistic expression of a warped mind and like psychedelics had been involved in the creation of this work; ritualistic soundscapes shrouded in darkness, like rays of alien radiation pervading the mind, leaving you vulnerable and dazed.

The experimental nature of the music shows as Lux Sine Lumine incorporates an array of sounds and textures ranging from low distorted bass to piano segments to create a soundtrack of absolute darkness and dread. The piano is particularly useful in that regard, as it really accentuates the overall mood of negativity. Those with suicidal thoughts should stay away from this, as the music will make you want to impale yourself.

It may not be all that metallic, but fans of bands like Gnaw Their Tongues, Abrubtum and Khanate will find plenty to appreciate with this release. This release totally fucked me up and I love it.
 

EP review: Irillion – Mélamar (2023)

Irillion – Mélamar

 

Mexico

 

Nocta Producciones

 

"Mélamar" is the third EP from Mexico’s Irillion, featuring five tracks of harrowing black/death metal. A totally raw and blasphemous sound permeates this release, which reminds me of ancient cults like Treblinka, Beherit, and Belial. Apparently, “Irillion” means conjuring up pungent atmospheres of brimstone and venomous flames, which is exactly how I would describe the overall mood of this release. Pure mystical black/death that radiates darkness and emphasizes atmosphere with its use of gloomy riffs, varied tempos and robust drumming. The vocals are a highlight and extremely raw, reminiscent of Necrovore. This EP starts with a sombre guitar interlude, and just when you think you’re about to indulge in some immersive atmospheric black metal, your world is suddenly set ablaze with vivid images of blood, fire and death, as the music pummels you straight into the burning abyss. The guitars have a buzzlike quality characteristic of raw black metal, yet the death metal influence resonates strongly in their veins, especially when they unleash those sharp, stabbing riffs. Overall, this well-crafted EP brims with promise and demonstrates depth. A full-length release would be highly anticipated. Stand-out tracks: “Oukranos” “Velo De Lo Profundo”

EP review: Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion (2023)

Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion

 

Turkey

 

Zazen Sounds

Aeon Void is a duo hailing from Istanbul, and “Fragments of Illusion” is their debut EP released under Zazen Sounds. The EP features five tracks of possessed death/black metal that’s about as relentless as it gets. This otherworldly atmosphere is accentuated by the malicious vocal attack as every utterance is spewed forth with absolute malice. Every track offer a rush of pure darkness and volatile aggression replete with uncompromising riffs and blasting drums. Their music has some unmistakable Turkish characteristics, injecting their own trademark violence into it. As far as references go, I can hear trace elements from bands like Abigor, Marduk, Infernal War, et cetera. One of the highlights of this release is without a doubt the ungodly riffs, which are ruthlessly executed and sharp as obsidian blades. There's something nuanced and sinister about the atmosphere that reminds me of French and Swedish bands, particularly the ominous black metal sound associated with labels like Norma Evangelium Diaboli. All in all, this is a near flawless release from a very promising band.

EP review: Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation (2019)

 

Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation

Greece

Askio Productions

The latest EP from these Greek tyrants, entitled “Warfare: Mass Annihilation,” mercilessly bludgeons the listener’s brain into submission from the get-go. The album contains six tracks and clocks in at thirteen minutes, launching a barrage of straight-ahead aural violence characterized by ugly riffs, sickened growls, and cavernous drums. The hellish cacophony is supported by a raw production that fits their style perfectly.

Fans of bestial black/death metal will absolutely love this release. The EP is short, but makes up for it with pure visceral brutality. On top of that, there is no filler, so to speak. There’s a lot of replay value, thanks to the punishing riffs and well-arranged songs.

Prior to this release, the band released a compilation album, which I haven't heard, but after being blown away by this EP, I definitely plan on checking it out. Every track on this EP is great, especially the cover of Blasphemy's Demoniac, which I highly recommend hearing. Schizoparanoic Platoon's name pretty much tells you what to expect, so be prepared to have your brains reduced to a pulp with this disc. A highly recommended War Metal act from Greece! (HT)

Promo review: Abominablood - Agonizing Symphony of Deity (2021)

 

Abominablood - Agonizing Symphony of Deity

Argentina

Independent / Promo 

Abominablood hails from the dark Patagonia of Argentina and has already released a series of demos, splits, and EPs, that amount to quite an impressive discography.

The band is led by L. Warpig Venomous Abominator, who is the morbid composer behind everything, even though there are session musicians who collaborate.

Musically, this is ritualistic blackened death packed with nuances composed of utterly insane, throaty vocals radiating pus that fill your ears with worms, accompanied by overwhelming blast beats, and riffs that rip everything to shreds. It conjures up a filthy atmosphere unleashing vile aberrations at the listener in a pure Lovecraftian frame. The sound of the guitars fascinated me, especially when I heard those spectral guitar solos. Warpig achieves a sound that goes well with the concept it tries to convey through its four songs (an intro, two songs, and outro). His vocal style changes from an acute guttural growl to a serious one from the putrid bowels of death with surgical precision. The melodies that accompany the slower parts of the compositions are profoundly morbid and induce the listener into a deep and terrifying trance. Fans of bands like Cruciamentum, Disma, and Krypts will enjoy this. (Catacombs Walker)

EP review: Tempter's Sacrament - Temptation Steel Scourge (2021)

Tempter's Sacrament - Temptation Steel Scourge

USA

Invictus Productions

Furious and well-executed Blackened Death/Thrash informed by the likes of Vomitor, Aura Noir, and Gospel of The Horns is what Tempter's Sacrament brings to the table with their debut EP, "Temptation Steel Scourge", which was recently released by Invictus Productions.

Throughout each of these four tracks, you will be subjected to a barrage of face-ripping riffs with wild, turbulent solos, unyielding and energetic drums, and infernal shrieks from the depths.

The EP is inaugurated with "Putrid Triumph" and immediately we are pulled into the abyss as the band belches out some sick as fuck riffs, thrashing ahead with confidence, with occasional bursts of speed and fury.

It's pretty clear that the band is well-rehearsed. Everything flows together really well and the arrangements are tight. In terms of musicianship, the guitars and song structures are verily impressive, paired with how utterly savage it all sounds.

The cover of Morbid Angel's "Unholy Blasphemies" will rip right through you, as it conveys the right amount of intensity, with the band adding their own evil and sick twist to this much acclaimed classic track.

As I understand it, the group is already working on their debut album, so this EP will serve as a taster for what's to come, and from what I can tell, the forthcoming album should be an absolute ripper.

Overall, this 14-minute EP comes as a blessing for those with a penchant for true unholy metal mayhem, as "Temptation Steel Scourge" delivers the goods. (HT)

EP review: Goat - Collapse (2021)

Goat – Collapse

Greece

Independent (Promo)

Goat from West Macedonia, Greece, attack with their latest EP called “Collapse”, featuring three short tracks of devastating Blackened Death Metal.

I'm surprised I haven't heard of these Hellenic tyrants before. The only other "Goat" I know is the one from Denmark, then of course Greek bands like Goatvomit and Wargoat (both excellent).

"Collapse" is obviously meant as a promo for labels to get the band signed, hence the short duration, although I don't think they will have any trouble linking a deal with some killer underground label considering how deadly and well-executed their music is.

A totally filthy production permeate this release, as an absence of melody gives the music a verily brutal dynamic. Their music is as crude and blasphemous as their name implies, with goat representing the devil in all its ferocity.

The track "Obliterate The Bastard Breed" will rip your ears off, as fast and merciless drums pound away atop visceral grunts and savage guitar riffs, while the title track "Collapse" offers more of the same with its rapid drums and pulverising riffs.

There is certainly a Greek influence in their riffs that is discernible and can also be heard in other Greek bands. That being said, there's definitely more to their sound than just brutal War Metal. A better artwork would be a great improvement, but as a promo, it is OK in my opinion. A little more variety and creativity in the songs would also be a good thing.

All in all, if you like bestial Black/Death Metal or "War Metal", then Goat from Greece is the band for you. For fans of Morbosidad, Abhorer, and Goatpenis. (HT)

EP review: Goatskullt - Tevras (2021)

Goatskullt - Tevras

Finland

Independent

Goatskullt from Finland has released a new EP entitled, “Tevras”. Musically, the band unleashes a furious barrage of pummeling, aggressive black metal that will rip your face off. The music is relatively straightforward and reminiscent of Impaled Nazarene at times, especially since they show some punk tendencies. It’s a pity the band isn’t more well-known because their music totally kills.

There’s enough grit and punishing riffs to make this release worth your time, including the fact that the vocals are completely manic. The bulk of the music consists of rapid drumming, maniacal vocals, and hellish riffs. However, the band also has some slower numbers like “Tyhjyydestä” which is a pretty cool hymn. Vocals are sung in Finnish, which is something I appreciate, as the passion behind the music is more pronounced when bands sing in their native tongue (hardly an “original” opinion, but it’s true).

Goatskullt’s take on black metal is uncompromising and brutal, with an inclination towards hardcore punk. I’ve heard some bands blend the two genres before, but few do it as proficiently as Goatskullt. Overall, a pretty cool band and killer EP that’s worth checking out by anyone into bona fide metal. (HT)

 

EP review: Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception (2021)

 Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception

Greece

Iron Blood and Death Corporation

Now here’s a cool band. Deified Shreds from Athens, Greece, reminds me of old Malevolent Creation mixed with Deicide and Suffocation. They also have that trademark “Greek” sound infused into their music, as one can draw similarities to other Greek bands like Resurgency (same vocalist) and Dead Congregation. 

In case anyone reading this is unaware, Greek Death Metal is unfortunately quite underrated, and also absurdly militant and brutal for the most part, which is why I like their scene. 

Deified Shreds continues the tradition, as the four songs contained on their debut EP are replete with meathook riffs, menacing vocals, and thrashy, yet old-school drumming. The drums have a type of crisp, cool sound to them, which fits well with their style. It’s mammoth-like heavy and pure death metal in every possible way. 

The musicianship is pretty proficient, but not in a flashy, overly technical sense. Solos are short but masterful and well-executed.  

The more I hear this EP, the more I like it. it’s verily punishing and a treat for fans of solid Death Metal, or people into the bands mentioned earlier in the review. Check them out! (HT)

EP review: Melting Eyes – My Final Resting Place (2021)

Melting Eyes – My Final Resting Place

Netherlands

Independent

Melting Eyes is a four-piece hailing from the Netherlands that plays heavy, doom-laden Death Metal and "My Final Resting Place" is the band's debut EP. The music presented here is an all out assault of crushing death/doom that grabs the listener by the throat as soon as the first note kicks in. Each track is full of chugging riffs, pounding mid-tempos and menacing growls. The style may not be particularly unique, but it is still solid material and the execution is pretty tight. The Dutch have always had a penchant for hefty death/doom and Melting Eyes is further proof of that, as "My Final Resting Place" is a solid little EP, well worth your attention. That being said, Melting Eyes is a band to keep an eye out for and comes recommended to fans of bands like Asphyx, Grand Supreme Blood Court, Pentacle, etc. (HT)

EP review: Aempyrean - Fireborn (2018)

 

Aempyrean - Fireborn

India

Cyclopean Eye Productions

Aempyrean joins the ranks as one of India's better extreme metal acts with this pretty solid debut EP titled "Fireborn". Four tracks packed to the brim with odes to hell and old-school black/death/thrash can be heard on this release. The band unleashes a barrage of throat-cutting riffs, frantic solos, feral vocals and pounding thrash beats. The atmosphere is permeated with a rather rancid stench, with a sound reminiscent of early Morbid Angel, Possessed, Destroyer 666 and the like. There's no doubt as to the prominence of the musicians, as the music bombards the listener with a series of pungent riffs and solos that drill right through your fucking skull. In other words, riffs are in abundance. The production is suitably raw, giving this EP a profoundly menacing feel. The cover version of Morbid Angel’s "Chapel of Ghouls" is a nice surprise and quite well done, doing justice to the original. "Fireborn" is a must for fans of killer Black/Death. Especially if you're one of those maniacs with a penchant for discovering obscure bands from the hellish depths of the underground. Aempyrean delivers. For fans of: Weapon, Bestial Mockery, Communion. (HT)

EP review: Orv – A Crowning of Misery (2021)

Orv – A Crowning of Misery

Hungary

Independent

Orv from Budapest plays an interesting style of black metal that sounds more or less modern thanks to a rather clear production, although the production does not sound plastic in any sense. This release is their debut EP and contains 4 tracks that last 20 minutes in total. The band's sound is quite fresh, but also retains that fundamental essence idiomatic to black metal. The band manages to evoke a rather compelling atmosphere that draws the listener in. The riffing is par excellent and you can hear that the band is still finding their feet, although there are clear signs of innovation. The vocals are typically raspy, but perfectly balanced in the mix. There is a certain morbid aura to "A Crowning of Misery" and it does not come across as superficial either. The music is full of emotion and exudes an apocalyptic atmosphere drenched in blackness. Admittedly, the music on this EP is pretty excessive, and while that can be a bad thing in some cases, it does not detract from the quality of the music. According to the band, the lyrics are about the self-indulgent tyrannical nature of man and his journey from ascension to self-sufficiency to the inevitable decline. All in all, If you're on the lookout for some good underground black metal with melodic sensibilities, then Orv from Hungary is the right band for you. (HT)

EP review: Ancient Tome - Final Tomb (2021)

Ancient Tome - Final Tomb

USA

Transylvanian Recordings

A cosmic portal emerges, breaking through the fabric of reality that transports us into a dark, chaotic and suffocating vortex. Such is the experience of this magnificent 4-track EP and the band's second release since their formation in 2020. This time they have managed to summon their art from the hands of Transylvanian Recordings as the first release was independently produced.

These void worshippers immerse us in the haunting vortex of their thoughts with this great performance of Blackened Doom Metal.

"Choleric" opens the album in a quiet manner. A clean guitar that seems to foreshadow what will come next, as bass and drums follow in gloomy synchrony. From one moment to the next, the distortion is present and begins to spread its noisy essence in all directions, occupying all of your attention. At a certain point the song picks up speed and I must say that it sounds massive, even though they could still have kept going with their super slow tempo and it would not have been a problem. They know how to take the listener down dark paths and still keep us informed of what's happening around us.

"Sycophants" continues in the same vein, throwing an avalanche of blows and screams coming from the bowels. The screams on this album are really tortured and a pleasure to listen to.

"The Ancient Crucht" has the best clean guitar, melody and drum percussion. It sounds really formidable, solid and ritualistic. It's like a long trance that conjures ancient and savage entities. The first 3 songs are over 6 minutes long and that's a great length (although we are used to much longer songs in this subgenre). It stretches out violently to express the darkness within.

"To Come To The End Of A Time Of Anxiety And Fear" is the last song on the album, which does not reach 2 minutes in length and is more of an outro which left me very curious as to what will come next in terms of production, rather than the feeling of an ending. Definitely recommended! (Catacombs Walker)

EP review: Garden of Eyes - Boomhammer (2021)

Garden of Eyes - Boomhammer

England/UK

Ancient Entity Records / AHPN Records 

Garden of Eyes is a one-man project from England playing rotten death metal and "Boomhammer" is their latest work – a short 2-track EP clocking in at 8 minutes. The music has a thick buzzsaw sound reminiscent of Swedish death metal, although I can also hear a bit of Finnish death in their sound. You could say the sound is like a mix of the two. There's a lot of distortion on the guitar that gives the music quite a vicious feel, coupled with the evil vocal effects. The two tracks on this demo are rather brief, but have a resounding impact in terms of their execution. I would say that Nattskog has a good knack for composing solid death metal that is loaded with an array of crushing riffs. The music is decidedly straightforward and simple, but well structured and quite dark. There's definitely a bit of early UK doom to the sound as well, especially during the slower parts. The raw production suits the music and the simple approach works for the band. I noticed that the drums are programmed, although they do not sound overbearing, as the attention is mainly on the riffs and vocals. Overall, this is a solid slab of morbid death metal and recommended for fans of the old Swedish and Finnish scenes. (HT)

EP review: Evocator - Chronicles of Pestilence (2021)

Evocator – Chronicles of Pestilence

Sweden

Self-released / Independent

Formed in 2007, Sweden's Evocator release their latest EP and follow-up to 2010's "Untitled" demo, which is a pretty big gap of inactivity. Nevertheless, they have decided to come back and present the world with three emphatically crushing tracks of gloomy death/doom clocking in at 30 minutes long.

There is a hefty bass presence in the tracks that adds to the heaviness of the music, along with a guitar rhythm that is nothing short of soul-crushing. Evocator are masters of mid-tempo death/doom and mostly stay within that range while repeatedly subjecting the listener to an overwhelming sonic assault reminiscent of vicious hammer blows to the face from start to finish. The vocals alternate from vicious growls to psychotic high-pitched screams and are perfectly executed. This is one of those death/doom bands that puts more emphasis on bludgeoning the listener's mind with pure aggression than impressing girls with sweet melodies, not to mention the atmosphere surrounding this album is purely dark and from another realm.

You might assume this is an atmospheric black metal band based on the greenish colour and forest on the cover, but that could be your biggest mistake – or did you not see the hooded figure staring at you from the mist? That hooded figure is Evocator and they have come to bring us death. All in all, a strong and devastating EP recommended to fans of quality death/doom. (HT)

EP review: Cthonica - Lessor Incantations of Cthonic Lore (2021)

 

Cthonica - Lessor Incantations of Cthonic Lore

Venezuela

Sentient Ruin Laboratories / Caligari Records

From the depths of Venezuela, a communist country rife with crime and oppression, comes the duo known as Cthonica. The band plays dark and subterranean black/death reminiscent of bands like Antediluvian and Grave Upheaval. "Lessor Incantations of Cthonic Lore" is their sophomore release and the follow-up to their excellent 2019 debut album, eerily titled "Typhomanteia: Sacred Triarchy of Spiritual Putrefaction." The music exudes a deeply sinister atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've just entered an alternate dimension of pure evil. Most of the songs follow a similar flow, but are able to put the listener into a trance with their hypnotic and impossibly dark overtones. The vocals are monstrously cavernous to match the music, while the drums, bass, and guitar are drenched in a rather primitive production. The guitar sound is absolutely perfect for the style they play and gives off a very gritty atmosphere that makes your skin crawl. The production is suitably raw for this kind of cacophonous music, coupled with their knack for excellent songwriting that contains a lot of depth. There are a lot of bands that have tried to play some sort of dark, murky black/death over the years, but few come across as convincingly as these Venezuelan maniacs. These guys are, without a doubt, the real deal. Highly recommended! (HT)

EP review: Razvalina - Smrt Živečega (2021)

Razvalina - Smrt Živečega

Slovenia

Unsigned / Independent

“Smrt Živečega” is the great debut from this Slovenian trio of maniacs who use their words to lash out against politics and the whole pandemic situation that threatens us and our way of life.

Musically, you'll feel like you've just been run over by a fucking truck transporting corpses to the crematorium. From the beginning, they express their ideals with real, extreme passion. I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as death/grind, but I can detect a good lethal dose of grindcore influence in their music. This is a EP, which stands out for its aggression. Every barrage of riffs hits the mark with absolute precision. They are very successful with crafting cohesive song structures. What I probably like most about the band is the drums. It fascinates me when they unleash those snare hits which sounds like a hail of bullets. In the second song "Ne Pripada" they throw a solo in our face where they make the guitar scream with some levers that open the gate and send you straight to hell back and forth. The fact that the band sings in their native tongue makes it sound even more rotten. Something I also really enjoyed is the harmonies they put in key parts of the songs. Without a doubt, my favorite song on this EP is "Agresor", followed by the aforementioned "Ne Pripada", a brutal way to crush your ears. We'll just have to wait for their debut album and see what else they can come up with. For now, I think they did a great job! Recommended! (Catacombs Walker)

EP review: Spasticus - Horror Chaos Death (2021)

 

Spasticus - Horror Chaos Death

Italy

Rotted Life Records

The smell of necrotic flesh invaded my nostrils and filled it with worms at the time of playing this EP, and I am sure it will do the same for you! So get ready to experience horror, chaos, and death!

This EP, which was released on June 25 of this year, really makes you imagine all that grotesque imagery that adorns the cover art. The initial impression it gives you is akin to being chased by some lunatic cannibal tribe. This is straightforward death metal redolent of having a dagger plunged into your jugular. It was designed to express perversion and a morbid killer instinct. It is a work that – if you do not know the date it was released – you might think that it is another of many secretly hidden relics from the ‘90s, as there is almost nothing modern about it. The monstrous Spasticus slowly pulls at your limbs until the flesh begins to tear apart. Something that completely corrodes the mind of the Death/grind bands is the constant blow to your senses, which leaves no room for you to stop and rest until the album is finished. The bass sounds fat and repulsive, the voice seems to be spitting out chunks of meat like a fucking hungry zombie. Festering guitars expel structures that apprehend the senses, especially when they are exposed in contrasting arrangements and fused together with the adequately-executed drums, giving tremendous hammer blows that will make your bones vibrate. In addition to all that headlong fury, they display a great conviction to craft disgusting riffs that any fan of the ‘80s or ‘90s will appreciate, as well as those morbid melodies, which are nothing short of brutal. About 20 minutes of dirty and addictive Death/grind sickness for fans of Impetigo, Autopsy, and Abscess. (Catacombs Walker)

EP review: Paraphilia - Primordium of Sinister Butchery (2021)

Paraphilia - Primordium of Sinister Butchery

USA

Brutal Cave Productions

“Primordium of Sinister Butchery” is the debut EP by Pharaphilia from Oregon, USA. The release features 4 tracks of unapologetic death metal with a bit of modern polish, as well as having a slight blackened feel to the compositions. It boasts a series of decidedly interesting riffs and an atmosphere that feels suffocating at all times. The alternating vocal styles ranging from Deicide-esque growls to more incomprehensible piq-squeels (for lack of a better term) is a verily brutal facet and adds a distinctive dynamic to their sound. The culmination of their potential is best displayed on the track ‘Patterns of Invigoration’, which is an absurdly punishing track in its own right and best experienced with proper headphones. The cover of Deicide’s ‘The Are The Children of the Underworld’ is no surprise considering their propensity for brutal death metal. In short, it’s a solid EP, although opting for a real drummer would be a mandatory adjustment to their sound, irrespective of how good the material is. Pharaphilia is an interesting prospect with much potential, so let’s observe their progress and see where they'll go with future recordings. (HT)