Hate Eternal

King of All Kings (Earache)
by Tim Den

I’m a big fan of Erik Rutan’s, but for some reason, Hate Eternal have never really tickled my fancy. Maybe it’s cuz the playing’s so precise, the drumming’s so accurate, and the tempo’s so fast that everything goes by too quickly to leave a lasting impression. You gawk in awe at the band’s immaculate delivery, but the songs never provide more than shock value. “Holy shit, listen to ’em go!” not “Holy shit, these songs fuckin’ rule!” I enjoyed their first album, but I think I can make do without yet another platter of blasts.
(43 West 38th St. New York, NY 10018)