Death metal legend Erik Rutan lets loose “Phoenix Amongst the Ashes” in 2011, and he is not playing any games here with the frightening as all hell onslaught of fury in music personified that he manages to deliver with effortless glee. Recorded at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with mastering done by Alan Douches of West West Side, even the most jaded listeners will love what’s been delivered on this speeding epic journey that sounds like the soundtrack to the Armageddon. One cranked out drag racer of a musical masterpiece. How good is it? This reviewer would say it ranks at the very top among the sea of releases this year, in terms of delivering a full-out epic symphony of mayhem that only the brilliant mind of Rutan could come up with. From the crushing opener “Rebirth” to the simply diabolical “Eternal Ruler”, and chilling “Thorns of Acacia”… but I am afraid track four’s “Haunting Abound” is the fiercest tune on the album up to this point, because the take-no-prisoner performance Rutan, who truly sounds possessed by the Devil here (on guitar and vocals). I mean… there’s no denying it, the man knows how to make the sound of evil come to life out of his vocal chords and guitar amp. The blast beat kills you throughout, thanks to Jade Simonetto (ex-Camilla Rhodes, ex-The Plasmarifle) and the bass guitar is played disturbingly fast by JJ Hrubovcak. I would concur with other critics who say this is the clear front runner for best death metal album of the year. With other gems set to take over the space in your head that’s between your ears, such as track number seven’s “Death Veil” and finally “The Fire of Resurrection”… this record hits classic status by its end for me. Rutan himself made it understood when admitting he feels the band has come up with one of their heaviest, most twisted, evil, melodic, and insane albums yet. An A+ quality production and powerfully chaotic outing from Rutan and company makes you more aware of his genius at what he does so damn well… scaring the shit out of all of us.
ROCKET REVIEW: HATE ETERNAL
[starreview tpl=16]
“Phoenix Amongst the Ashes” (CD)
(Metal Blade Records)
1. Rebirth
2. The Eternal Ruler
3. Thorns of Acacia
4. Haunting Abound
5. The Art of Redemption
6. Phoenix Amongst The Ashes
7. Deathveil
8. Hatesworn
9. Lake Ablaze
10. The Fire of Resurrection
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