I might be one of the few, but I've actually never been a big fan of Hate Eternal. I liked the debut Conquering the Throne which had its moments, but it's one of those albums I rarely listen too anymore, and the previous album King of All Kings didn't really do a whole lot to me either. It wasn't bad, but it was't very interesting either, and I'm left with the exact same feeling after having heard I, Monarch. Somehow the music appears to be very uninspired and stagnant. Even now after several listens, I fail completely to recognize why Hate Eternal has gained the reputation they have. In my ears the music is very mediocre and without anything remotely exciting to offer. The best thing on I, Monarch is the solos that ever once in a while occur, but unfortunately they also have a tendency to sound a bit too much alike. The band uses various samples of more exotic instruments once in while, but they appear in the most peculiar places; for instance in the middle of "To Know Our Enemies", and it sounds misplaced. Actually what ruins the persoective for me is that the instruments have been placed so high in the mix that they almost drown the guitars and drums.

I have a hard time digesting I, Monarch, and I would lie if I said I liked the album. The only song that I find particularly worthwhile is "Path to the Eternal Gods", and that's actually mainly because of the solo. The production sounds rather raw and unpolished, which is fine with me, but still the guitars sound without any real depth and punch. Somehow I totally fail to spot anything really memorable about I, Monarch, and in my eyes and ears Hate Eternal are extremely overrated.