A legend in heavy metal circles, Erik Rutan is known for his ability to make the most technical music sound raw and aggressive. Originally from New Jersey, Rutan got his start playing with Ripping Corpse and Morbid Angel (three different stints). He now leads his own band, Hate Eternal, and plays guitar for fellow death metal gods Cannibal Corpse.

Erik has produced multiple albums for Morbid Angel, Black Fast, Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore, and Soilent Green, amongst many others and is the owner of Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is a testament to his unique skills and ability to capture the raw power of the best metal players that most artists who record with him come back for multiple albums.