Post by Zedd Squared on Oct 21, 2019 6:33:44 GMT
Primary Tunings: C♯ standard (on all albums by Hate Eternal, Alas, and Ripping Corpse), E♭ standard (with Morbid Angel on 6 string songs), B♭ standard (with Morbid Angel on 7 string songs)
Gear info: Generally uses BC Rich guitars (especially the Ironbird shape), Seymour Duncan/Bill Lawrence pickups, and Marshall and Engl amplification. More information can be found here.
10 Standout Solos:
1. Tombeau (Le Tombeau De La Fureur Et Des Flammes)
2. God of the Forsaken
3. Quest of Serenity (also solos at 3:50-4:11 and 4:40 to the end)
4. Phoenix Amongst the Ashes
5. Nothing But Fear
6. All Hope Destroyed
7. The Enchanted
8. Inquisition (Burn With Me)
9. Absolute Purity
10.Tragedies
10 Standout Rhythm Guitar Performances (Riffs):
1. To Know Our Enemies
2. Lake Ablaze
3. By His Own Decree
4. Servants of the Gods
5. Thorns of Acacia
6. Loss of a Life
7. Nothing But Fear
8. Infernus
9. Bringer of Storms
10. Surmounting the Masses
Despite being most revered and well known as the guitarist, frontman, and principle songwriter in the apocalyptic sounding death metal band Hate Eternal, Rutan is actually a very melodic and structured lead guitarist. Sure he's got oodles of technique (his picked scale runs in particular can be wickedly fast and accurate, not to mention his tasteful use of sweeps), but he's got a much warmer tone and a better sense of restraint than most death metal guitarists. His tenure in Morbid Angel as partner in crime to the ever chaotic Trey Azagthoth certainly helped cement his status as "the melody guy" in old school death metal.
He also played in Ripping Corpse during the early part of his career as well as the HIGHLY underrated prog metal band Alas. Their only album Absolute Purity demonstrates a softer side to Rutan's composition style as well showcasing his guitar virtuosity throughout. I recommend everyone give 'em a listen.
NOTE: The solo list is sort of in order but the riffs list is totally unorganized right now.