The Australian band The Eternal was first brought to my attention in 2005, when they released their second album Sleep Of Reason through Finland’s Firebox Records. Their new record Kartika comes with a bonus disc that unfortunately wasn’t included with this promotional disc. The band made a good impression on me with their previous effort, let’s find out whether this new release will do the same.

 

The Eternal play a very atmospheric mixture of styles. One can hear influences from doom metal, gothic, progressive rock and a lot more. The overall sound is very relaxed but intense. Every song exists of many layers that are piled up until a beautiful yet dark whole is created. Kartika has a quite progressive feel to it, while it remains true to the dark atmosphere that their music emits. The talented vocalist Mark Kelson definitely shows that he has grown and improved, but from time to time I still get reminded of James LaBrie because of him, and I hate that guy. Don’t get confused, mister Kelson pleases me way better than that dude.

 

The keyboards play a very important role in The Eternal’s music, for they decide the mood of the music altogether. Kartika also sees The Eternal moving even further musically, especially the nine and a half minute track ‘Blood’ shows some elements that weren’t there before. Like Eastern influences and a guest performance by the Russian belle Emily A. Saaen. Also nice to hear is that they still choose to play slightly more rhythmical song structures than just the straightforward chord playing most of the bands in this genre get stuck in. It makes it so much more interesting and lifts them way above average.

 

Although The Eternal don’t exactly play music that I listen to a lot (especially since there are no brutal vocals), they again managed to surprise and even please me with Kartika. This could work for fans from bands like Opeth, My Dying Bride, Alchemist and Anathema to HIM, Within Temptation and stuff like that. If you’re looking for a diverse rock/metal band with a dark edge to it and just damn good songwriting skills, make sure you check these guys out.