Review by Jack on November 21, 2002.

I am usually not one for the arts of pure death metal. It’s incessant, monotonous and for most of the time, very boring. A lot has been said of Hate Eternal and their newest album “King of All Kings” (it got KKKKK in Kerrang!, which is certainly saying something). However, the majority of critique for “King of All Kings” has been nothing but admiration. Much of this excitement has been nothing but pure hype and bandwagon supporting, I am sure. “King of All Kings” is undoubtedly a very good album, but it certainly doesn’t reach the greatness that some willingly attribute to it.

The trio of Anderson, Roddy and Rutan certainly know their stuff; there is no doubting that. Countless years in some of the biggest known acts (you all know of whom I am speaking) have assured us that Hate Eternal will be nothing less than a band that creates sparkling death metal albums time and time again. They are simply too professional to do otherwise. Derek ‘One Take’ Roddy’s drumming is absolutely superb and he continually beats the skins without any lapse for the entire duration of “King of All Kings”. Rutan’s vocals are devastating and morbid, suiting the atmosphere and lyrics of Hate Eternal perfectly. The bass guitar work of Jared Anderson is as consistent and vigil as ever, providing a perfect underlay to the shredding of the aforementioned Rutan on guitar.

Notice how I am not really enthusiastic about this record? ”King of All Kings” a very good record, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t fill the emptiness inside me that I guess I was hoping it would do. It’s proficient, reliable death metal, but it’s really not much more.

Bottom Line: If you are into death metal and most extreme brands of metal, you could probably pick up ”King of All Kings” in a heartbeat. However, if you more accustomed to the more obscure takes on death sound, then perhaps I might advise you try before you buy. While this album might be discussed as a classic for many millennia to come, it’s not the sort of hat that fits every head.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7
Originality: 7
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Shaytan on April 27, 2014.

This album just caught me off guard. I recommend this album in its entirety. The album begins as if was a soundtrack album for a horror movie with “Von Rov Shelter”. With an immediate launch into a very distorted black metal sound with “Drako Gigante”. The music just causes mad hysteria and a feeling of haze at the onset. Without being able to distinguish how it should be defined. The first thoughts that appear to my mind are loss of mind. The vocals are equally well blended and suited just taunting away from the delirium it caused. Although I praise this album entirely, I give special significance to “Klokker Tramp”. This track was by far my favorite track on this album. Reminding me of my favorite bands Virgin Black and Elend. The horror and epic nature of this track would make this suitable for a theatrical work – since it spurs such imagination. Going through many episodes within the track to my shock I heard almost like a symphony in the midst of the confusion of their black metal arrangement which could easily be termed avantgarde. This black metal album is a masterpiece. Be prepared to be lead into a frenzy.

Rating: 10 out of 10