Well, it seems that time has come and another expansion set for Diablo IV has been released. Along with it, another epic soundtrack. I gotta say that I haven't played the previous one yet, but I've been listening to Nahantu's sounds for a long time now. To avoid spoilers I didn't watch the cinematic for Lord of Hatred, but based on the music, it's epic as hell.

Now, I'm not gonna discuss every song on the album, but let's get to some facts first. 32 songs, 2 hours and 34 minutes. The credits on Spotify say Ted Reedy, Ryan Amon and then Diablo and Blizzard Entertainment. I'm guessing the two gentlemen play the most important parts in creating this opus.

It all starts with the Firstborn and I don't hear the same note as in the previous 2 albums. In fact, it sounds like an epic battle is incoming and if you stick for the rest of it, it's really a mix of ambience that introduces the new location, Skovos, and the songs that will pump your blood up and rise your blood pressure to get you ready for big battles. I'm sure, as with the base Diablo IV, there will be more than one epic battle.

At first, Lord of Hatred reminded me more of the Base soundtrack, but the more I listen to it, it sounds like a mix of both, stylistically of course. The perfect example I think is the Garrison which starts of in Vessel style, to only get more of those acoustic guitar parts that are more present in the base soundtrack. Base seems like it's downplaying the quality of the music, I of course mean the Diablo IV Soundtrack.

Since I don't know what happens in Vessel of Hatred, I can only guess, but since this new chapter of Diablo IV reintroduces Mephisto again, Neyrelle has probably failed her mission to contain him. Once I play it through, I'll know it. But for now, let's focus on Skovos a bit. It's a region known as Amazon Islands (or so they say on diablo fandom page), which I guess explains why there are so many songs with these female voice parts, that are nothing new in the epic music genre. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't sound unoriginal or overused. It all fits together.

Nothing else to add here I guess, I'm just amazed how Diablo evolved musically and I'm really grateful for another pack of music. The two Diablo IV soundtracks have already strong place in my heart and this one with tracks like Firstborn, Garrison or Atanos, will definitely be in my top albums of 2026.

So now, Lord of Hatred, take me as your servant!