The name "Hate Eternal" is a rather suitable label for such music. Vicious drums, outlandish guitar riffs, and carnivorous vocals blend together to create the ultimate atmosphere of hatred. For 42 minutes during the newest release, one feels as though he truly is scourging the King of Kings, causing him to tremble before him. Rutan has once again managed to successfully create an outlet for his emotions, which shines darkly full of superior death metal for our modern times. Cower before me Christ, as
I, Monarch have now begun to reign.
While not venturing into an uncharted territory, Hate Eternal manages to create enjoyable, c
unt-smashing death metal without sounding like a rehash of prior bands. Erik Rutan succeeds in making himself appear as a barbaric force with deep, roaring vocals reminiscent of Mike DiSalvo while relentlessly delivering an aural beating in the form of brutal, unique riffs in such insurrections as
The Victorious Reign. The music is given an additional sadistic plague via Derek Roddy"s drumming. Roddy was the former drummer of the famed American death metal outfit Nile, and his intense speed is shown throughout the album, none more so than
Behold Judas. The instruments blend greatly to form one solid, inescapable force, displayed by the excruciating metal onslaught of
To Know Our Enemies. Hate Eternal is certainly an instrumentally talented band, and their playing is not without a flare for writing as well.
Unfortunately, it must be understood that Hate Eternal is not breaking any new ground. They"re not writing the most insane technical metal since Necrophagist, nor are they pushing the limits of brutality, making Cryptopsy sound like elevator music. What they are doing is creating solid death metal with a great balance of brutality and technicality, complete with evocative, distinguished melodies. If the fearsome lead guitar of
I, Monarch does not lodge itself in the listener"s mind, then the rolling deathsquad of
It is Our Will shall not fail to capture. The album is full of enjoyable hooks and lasting value with plenty of variation among songs. Each track is different while adding to the consistent theme of the album, whether it"s the flowing tincture of
Sons of Darkness or the exquisite instrumental
Faceless Ones.
In the end,
I, Monarch may not be the most marvelous array of death metal creativity, but it is certainly enjoyable for anyone interested in solidly written extreme music. Each song delivers a plate of thick, edible riffs with a rich sauce made from inhuman drumming. One cannot forget the side of bass seasoning, which completes the ensemble. While some songs stand out, the album flows as a single entity for the most part, yielding catchiness and an outlet of rage. Replay value may not be the album"s strong suit, but it is certainly worth a listen for anyone willing to explore modern death metal"s well-received outfits.
Recommended listening:
- Behold Judas
- The Victorious Reign
- I, Monarch
- Faceless One
