Love the Way You Hate Me

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Love the Way You Hate Me" by Bonfire from their 2018 album Temple of Lies. This track stands out with its catchy chorus and a unique cod reggae section layered with harmony vocals, giving it a fresh twist while staying true to Bonfire’s hard rock roots. According to a review from RAMzine, the song channels influences from classic German band Lucifer’s Friend, blending nostalgic vibes with modern flair. Fans on the Bonfire Fan Club Facebook group have shared that this track became a live show favorite, with its infectious energy getting crowds singing along during the band’s 2018 European tour. The song’s tempo, clocking in at 139 BPM, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s high-energy sets, keeping the airwaves buzzing.

Delving into the song’s creation, lead vocalist Alexx Stahl revealed in a 2018 interview with Musikreviews.de that "Love the Way You Hate Me" was one of the last tracks written for Temple of Lies. The band aimed to craft something that felt both rebellious and melodic, capturing the push-pull of a love-hate relationship. Guitarist Hans Ziller, the band’s founder, posted on Bonfire’s Instagram in 2018, sharing a behind-the-scenes clip of the studio sessions where the reggae-inspired riff was born from an impromptu jam. Fans in the Encyclopaedia Metallum community noted that this track showcases Stahl’s vocal range, hitting high notes that echo Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, a nod to the band’s heavier influences.

Bonfire’s journey began in 1972 in Ingolstadt, Germany, under the name Cacumen, founded by teenage guitarist Hans Ziller and his brother Karl. As detailed on Bonfire’s official website, the band started as a group of friends playing local gigs, building a loyal fanbase in their hometown. The name Cacumen, meaning “the top of a mountain” in Latin, came from a school test Hans took. By 1978, the lineup solidified with Hans and Karl on guitars, Horst Maier on guitar, Hans Hauptmann on bass, and Hans Forstner on drums. They played small venues for years, honing their hard rock sound inspired by British bands like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep, as noted in their Wikipedia bio. In 1986, after signing with BMG, the band rebranded as Bonfire due to the label’s concerns about Cacumen’s marketability. This marked their shift to a polished, 80s hard rock style, setting the stage for their rise in Europe.

Over the decades, Bonfire faced lineup changes but maintained their core sound, with Hans Ziller as the constant driving force. Their Facebook page regularly shares throwback photos and tour updates, connecting with fans who’ve followed them since the Cacumen days. The band’s resilience is evident in their consistent output, releasing at least one album yearly since 1996, as mentioned in their bio. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with tour announcements and snippets of new music. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the Encyclopaedia Metallum for detailed discographies or join the Bonfire Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories with fellow fans. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let Bonfire’s fiery riffs light up your night!