Hate Eternal.

YOU THINK YOU'VE heard it all before, but then you get smacked with a sound unfamiliar to the rest. You seen the inverted crosses and wicked symbols, but upon further notice realize the homework that has been done is real-these dudes know what they're talking (screaming) about. Yeah, they're pissed off and the use of negative energy is apparent, but the depth of the work is beyond stifled imaginations. It's insane to understand the intensity and vast comprehension of Hate Eternal. But after checking out their haggard van and U-Haul combo with the Play Station hooked up inside, I knew they were just some metalheads doing exactly what they need to do-rip the hell out of their instruments and conquer shows. --Sam Hitz

When did Hate Eternal begin?

Erik Rutan: I formed Hate Eternal in 1997. Playing guitar and singing is something I've always wanted to do. My first band, Ripping Corpse, had a singer and Morbid Angel always had a singer. So I was never really able to express myself in that fashion; it's another avenue of release and rage. The second album is much like the first, fast and sporadic, intense solos, hateful lyrics. What's the difference between the two?

The first record was a little more straight-forward, and I definitely felt inexperienced as a singer for sure. The music was coming along so well I had to make sure the vocals were on. But on this record (King of All Kings) I felt more confident; we did it at our own studio as well. Musically and creativity-wise, this album is more diverse and definitely more evil.

Let's get some insight on the song "In Spirit/the Power of Mana."

It's based on "Rapa Nui," Easter Island.

See that's why I'm asking, because I don't know this shit.

I like to read and write a lot about the Aztecs and Mayans.

That makes sense because those cultures were so brutal. What's your favorite cut on the new album?

Has to be "Obscure Terror." It has some really dissonant marching in it. It's really sinister and hideous.

How do you want your music to effect people?

The whole principle behind Hate Eternal is taking a perceived negative emotion like rage and anger, angst and hate, emotions people see as negative, and turn it into a positive release. I mean, if you like Hate Eternal obviously you've got some inner-most fucked up shit going on! You're not just some nine-to-five flick who listens to Barry Manilow. If you like us then there's obviously something just wrong with you.

Some people might not know you're also a member of Morbid Angel. Did their schedule allow you to pursue Hate Eternal?

No, not really. That's why I left.

Was some element missing that made you start your own band?

Morbid Angel was so busy touring all the time. The reason why I started Hate Eternal was because Trey is really specific in what he wants for Morbid Angel. Everything I write is real chaotic and totally over the top. and doesn't fit the mold he wanted. Trying to do both at the same time was out of control. I did Morbid Angel for 10 years. I want to do Hate Eternal for the rest of my career. I feel I accomplished a good mount but I have much more to prove, and so much more to offer.

Top three bands you rocked in high school?

Well, Slayer definitely. Before that was Metallica and before t at was Iron Maiden. That's the first band I ever loved. When I heard Ir n Maiden that's when I became a metalhead.

Top three bands in 2003?

I've been listening to Nile a lot. Origin is a killer band. Myrksgog from Norway, black-death-metal band you should check out.

Slayer or Venom?

I got to go with Slayer, man...Hell Awaits, Reign In Blood. Legends.

Believe it! NWA or Geto Boys?

Hmm... I don't know. NWA, they started it. Look at what they spawned--Dre, Ice Cube. But the Geto Boys, they were some crazy motherfuckers!

Yeah, they had a midget.

I won't pick one or the other; for rap they were both bad ass.

Has an airline ever lost your guitar?

No. I make sure I threaten everybody before I fly, "You lose my guitar I'll flicking kill you! Don't ever lose my shit! I play in a band called Hate Eternal." That says enough.

Where have you witnessed the most hardcore death metal fans?

California, 'cause LA. San Diego. and Santa Ana are killer. San Francisco is killer. But you know, I have to say Mexico City. It's sick down there. We might do a tour of Mexico, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, Chile, Argentina. 'Brazil. All of South America is sick too.

Any last words to the Thrasher readers?

Thanks for the opportunity first of all. And second, anyone that skates and is into crazy shit has to pick up Hate Eternal because it goes hand in hand. If people are into extreme shit they're going to be into the extremities of Hate Eternal!