Hate Dept: Building More than A House

Probably if I was asked right now what is my favorite band, I would most likely scream out “HATE DEPT”…every album is aggressive and industrial mixed with huge amounts of energy that can possibly change the face of music forever. Everytime I hear a Hate Dept song on my CD Player a surge of energy wakes me up and it almost sends me into a frenzy where I just want play some “air-keyboard” or something.

What does the album sound like?

“The House That Hate Built” is a 2-disc set chronicling the band’s 10 year career with live tracks, remixes, and some new tracks just to keep the fans happy (which they claim are unreleased). This album is more like a “warm-up” for their next album (which is in the works).

The sound of Hate Dept is very distinct filled with Rhythmatic beats and laced with a full punk sound that gives it a raw edge (thanks to producer and lead singer Seibold).

Some people put Hate Dept in the “Industrial” category….some people put them in the “Dance” category. If I had the chance I would put them in the “Industrial Dance Punk” category.

Why I liked/disliked this Album

The 2-disc set is a very charming mix that I can easily listen to everyday…but the problem is that I mostly had all the tracks before this album even came out. In fact, I would say that this album should be Hate Dept’s Greatest Hits or Most Listenable songs. Once you get this album in your CD Collection, I don’t think there is any point of getting the earlier releases such as “Meat your Maker” or ‘Technical Difficulties”.

Getting the CD was another hard thing to do, even when I pre-ordered it CDNOW had to backorder mine. I then tried Amazon and had little luck with that outfit either. Soon in a few weeks CDNOW replenished their supplies and the CD came in the mail…I was happy.

The live tracks are okay, but as far as technical sound goes I would immediately flunk it out. There are times when the track gets very fuzzy and it sounds like they are playing in a huge Styrofoam box. The good point is that I don’t hear any cheering fans during the song (another annoying aspect of Live Tracks).

I would have to say that the 2nd disc has a lot more exciting tracks than the 1st disc could ever offer…such with the songs “Tough Guy” and “Cowgirl” which is probably the 2 best tracks on the whole collection.

Top 5 Tracks


1. Cowgirl – This has to be my most favorite song EVER released by Hate Dept.

2. Tough Guy- A slamming song about A guy who basically wants to beat everyone up

3. California – One of the newer tracks from Hate Dept…I heard it too many times

4. Anger Impulse – A remix

5. Release it (radio) – This track can get a bit annoying sometimes due to the DJs but the performance is GRADE A

Classic or Forgettable?
Hate dept is building more than a house...but they are building the foundation of the next generation of music.
If you really want to get a taste of Industrial Punk Dance…then you should really get a hold of this two disc set which is only 15.00 (not a bad price considering the price of CDs these days). If you are really going to get a Hate Dept CD this would be the album I would definitely recommend for beginning fans. This album is a classic in its own genre…so therefore I’m ranking it (CLASSIC).

If you like…you’ll love Hate Dept
Ministry, hellbent, 16volt