Brutal. Technical. Thought provoking. These are all ways to describe the third album from death metal merchants Hate Eternal. Led by former Morbid Angel guitarist and producer extraordinaire Erik Rutan, Hate Eternal's I, Monarch is a frightening display of death metal ferocity that is so well played and executed that it is sure to put the band at the forefront of the scene alongside such heavyweights as Nile, Suffocation, Cryptopsy, Morbid Angel, Behemoth, Vader, and Krisiun.
The musicianship throughout the album is stellar, and wrapped in the great production by Rutan makes it all the more apparent. The classy artwork and packaging of the CD certainly doesn't hurt either! Drummer Derek Roddy once again shows why he is one of the best players on the scene today, as his powerful double bass and blast beats steal the show on every song. Rutan's guitar riffs are thunderous and fast, his solos tasty and burning with technique, and the bass playing of Randy Piro keeps the mayhem in line while also displaying some serious chops. Lyrically this is pretty dark and demonic stuff, but then again what would you expect from Rutan & Co. anyway? Some of the hottest songs are "Behold Judas" and the evil riff-fest that is the title track, but listeners will really be knocked over by the behemoth sounds of "Sons of Darkness", a monstrous piece with blazing drums, ethnic percussion, huge guitar riffs, and Rutan's demonic death growls. In addition, the closing number "Faceless One" is a ripping instrumental that mixes metal fury with intricate fusion and prog rock technique.
I, Monarch is an epic, furious onslaught of dark, technical, and progressive death metal. Alongside the latest releases from Nile and Behemoth, Hate Eternal have put together one of the strongest extreme albums of the year.
Track Listing
1. Two Demons
2. Behold Judas
3. Victorious Reign
4. To Know Our Enemies
5. I, Monarch
6. Path to the Eternal Gods
7. Plague of Humanity
8. It Is Our Will
9. Sons of Darkness
10. Faceless One [Instrumental]
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