Hate Eternal: Phoenix Amongst The Ashes – new album

Erik Rutan's HATE ETERNAL heavy and brutal new album is called ‘Phoenix Amongst The Ashes’. The album is set for European release on May 9th, 2011, its North American release date is set for May 10th, 2011, while Australians (and the rest of the world) will have to wait until May 13th, 2011 to get their hands on this vicious beast. The responsible label is Metal Blade Records. HATE ETERNAL recorded their fifth studio album at Erik Rutan's (who, aside from being a highly respected death metal legend also runs his own recording studio and occasionally moonlights as producer, heh) own Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida, with mastering being handled by Alan Douches of West West Side Music, New York. Buy ‘Phoenix Amongst The Ashes’ here (Metal Blade) if you dare.

Commented the big man himself: “ ‘Phoenix Amongst The Ashes’ is an album that we did everything possible to create a death metal classic that would stand out amongst all of our releases as an album that not only carries the traditional HATE ETERNAL sound, but expands the boundaries of what is possible within the confines of extreme death metal. I feel that this album truly represents a band that overtime has matured into creating our most dynamic and intense album yet. At times fast and extreme, at times, heavy, atmospheric, evil and melodic with the darkest of overtones. I truly feel this is one of my finest moments in my career and a defining moment for HATE ETERNAL. If you are a death metal fan, you should give it a listen, you won’t be disappointed!” In addition, MetalSucks conducted an extensive and insightful interview with the group's founder, guitarist and vocalist Erik Rutan – read it, if interested, right here:

Haunting Abound – courtesy of HATE ETERNAL

Ultra-fast death metal band HATE ETERNAL was formed in 1997 by former MORBID ANGEL and RIPPING CORPSE guitarist Erik Rutan. With guitarist Doug Cerrito (ex-SUFFOCATION), bassist Jared Anderson and drummer Tim Yeung completing the lineup, HATE ETERNAL recorded their first album, ‘Conquering The Throne’, in 1999. (“The album is quite predictable and not very distinctive, yet it’s easy to get into if you have a taste for grindcore and death metal and are in the mood for naked, unmitigated aggression,” commented Alex Henderson, AllMusic). In 2002, as drummer (and snake breeder, also known as “Take One”) Derek Roddy (ex-NILE, ex-MELEVOLENT CREATION) replaced Tim Yeung, the band recorded their second album, ‘King Of All Kings’, produced by Rutan (as will be all following releases). Randy Piro stepped in after Jared Anderson left the group due to an admitted drug problem. (He died in his sleep of an unspecified cause two-and-a-half months before his birthday in 2006). HATE ETERNAL's last effort for Earache Records, third full-length, ‘I, Monarch’, was released in 2005. Hailed by critics and fans alike, the album put forth an innovative new musical approach in extreme metal, while retaining the elements of speed and brutality that dominate the genre. (“ ‘I, Monarch’ is 40 minutes of distilled essence of death metal, with Rutan's Cookie Monster vocals declaiming crypto-religious S&M lyrics over his own hypnotically repetitive riffs and flashy, technically excellent solos, while a close-to-inaudible bassist and the superhuman blastbeat drummer Derek Roddy hurtle along at near-impossible speeds behind him,” commented Stewart Mason, AllMusic):

I, Monarch – courtesy of HATE ETERNAL

Jade Simonetto became the group's new permanent drummer in 2007 and, with Shaune Kelley as second guitarist and CANNIBAL CORPSE's Alex Webster on bass, out came HATE ETERNAL debut for Metal Blade Records, 2008's ‘Fury & Flames’, described as a diverse, heavy, chaotic, and emotionally fueled record:

Bringer Of Storms – courtesy of HATE ETERNAL

Tombeau (Le Tombeau De La Fureur et Des Flammes) – courtesy of HATE ETERNAL

Follow-up: “From then on [album's intro track ‘Rebirth’], the album rampages to the end, taking no prisoners along the way and leaving no bit of sonic real estate unfilled. It’s this busy feeling that dominates the album, with the band cramming so much into every moment that the songs feel not only menacing, but inescapable. For the most part, the only respite that’s to be found on the album comes from the momentary gaps between tracks, giving listeners a second of stark silence to gather themselves up before the next assault comes,” wrote AllMusic's Gregory Heaney. Read the rest of the album's review here.

In July 2011, HATE ETERNAL released video for ‘Lake Ablaze’, directed, shot and lit by David Brodsky. “Death metal videos rarely employ such starkly nuanced ambiance,” reads the clip description, “but ‘Lake Ablaze’ makes this assaultive song feel downright pleasant. Vocalist Erik Rutan and his guttural screams are bathed in soft orange, pink and purple light while the St. Petersburg, Florida trio unleash their fury in a smoky warehouse.”

HATE ETERNAL features: Erik Rutan – guitar and vocals, JJ Hrubovcak – bass and backing vocals and Jade Simonetto – drums