It doesn’t feel all that long ago that Hate Eternal’s debut came out, although scarily it’s been sixteen years. Evolving into a technical, stream-lined and über brutal death metal unit along the way, there have been some ups and downs. Albums such as ‘King of All Kings’ and ‘I, Monarch’ falling in the former camp, while 2008’s odd sounding ‘Fury & Flames’ sits firmly in the latter – despite the presence of both Alex Webster and Erik Rutan’s Ripping Corpse axe partner Shaune Kelley. In fact the memory of that previous disc was enough to convince me that I wouldn’t be buying 2011’s ‘Phoenix Amongst the Ashes’. Online reviews suggest that the last one was actually a corker (and I’m an idiot), so hopefully ‘Infernus’ – featuring yet a new drummer – will be as impressive.
Immediately, ‘Locust Swarm’ provokes cause for optimism with its intense blasting, six string flourishes and riffing jagged enough to crumble brick walls. As expected, Hate Eternal is still musically and philosophically what the name indicates, yet there’s an astounding clarity in production and sense of focus in the song’s structure. On top of Chason Westmoreland’s immense drumming, which seems to have a bit of the Derek Roddy to it, J.J. Hrubovcak’s intricate bass work and vocals really get the chance to shine. It’s as if with tracks like ‘The Stygian Deep’, the extremity has been channeled to create an experience that allows the listener room to engage with the music – hardly a characteristic I would have associated with this band. Rather than meshing into a swarm of rage, the instruments are clearly definable and exhibit depth, and even some rhythmic warmth. The most important factor to this equation – Erik Rutan – fits equally in, his riffs contorting and bludgeoning while his voice aggresses consistently in the midst of this perfect musical storm.
But as hinted previously, the attention to detail in song writing throughout ‘Infernus’ is also a defining factor. On ‘Pathogenic Apathy’ there is that particular section around the 3:30 mark where a riff plays over a rhythm devoid of blasting or much double bass; in ‘The Chosen One’, as well as a feast of double bass blasting, we are treated to some excellent, trademark Rutan solo work. It’s tracks such as the title one which impress most however. Initiating with twisted death metal guitar virtuosity and narration, the track settles into a slow grind perhaps more reminiscent of Morbid Angel. Rutan’s performance here confirms his status as a true front man – his vocals delivered more assuredly than ever; his playing likewise (check out the section towards the end with all those haunting melodies and methodic riffs). It would’ve been hard to predict anything like this based on those chaos-obsessed early albums. Fear not though, for chaos is still a key player: ‘La Tempestad’ rages hatefully, while the tremendous ‘Order of the Arcane Scripture’ recalls ‘King of All Kings’.
Another surprise pops up in the form of crawling instrumental ‘Chaos Theory’, which exhibits a bizarre swagger within its tentacle-like structure. It’s more open and, to a limited extent, progressive than any of their previous ventures I can recall. Once again, the combination of quality song writing and very good production mean it’s pulled off with style by a band who for the lion’s share of their career have been fixated on meticulous, undiluted intensity. Corresponding to this sense of widening parameters comes the closing track. While on first glance ‘O’ Majestic Being, Hear My Call’ seems like a signature Hate Eternal tune, rage emanating from every pore of its being, expectations are once again disrupted. This time, flaying riffs give way to a melodious solo which emerges in grandiose style before the song’s end to remind us one last time of the hallmarks which render this album such a step up in formula compared to ‘Fury & Flames’.
Overall then, it’s fair to say that ‘Infernus’ took me by surprise. Obviously the playing is top notch but the diverse song writing, mix of tempos and particularly that production – which is one of the best I’ve heard from Erik Rutan – render this an awesome death metal album. Can it be regarded as the best from Hate Eternal? Well, it’s probably the one I can put on from start to finish consistently without needing to take a break (as much as I love those devastating early efforts), and let’s put it this way: it’s certainly up there. The reversion to a one guitarist, three-piece line-up seems to suit the band very well although admittedly the dudes Rutan has onboard are a great fit.
Now all I need to do is belatedly catch up with ‘Phoenix Amongst the Ashes’…
(9/10 Jamie)
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