The Eternal

The Eternal
Origin	Melbourne VIC
Genres	Goth metal, melodic metal, progressive rock
Years active	2002 - present
Labels	Firebox
Associated acts	Cryptal Darkness, Mortification, Damaged, Order of Chaos, Black Majesty, Catwitch, Earth, The Veil, InSomnius Dei, Desolate Eternity, Paramaecium, Subterranean Disposition
Website	http://www.the-eternal.com
Members	Dave Langlands, Mark Kelson, Marty O'Shea
Past members	Chris Stevenson, Terry Vainoras, James O'Toole, Lincoln Bowen, James Hunt, Chris Burton, Ryan Buesnel, Paul Tipping

Band members

• Current line-up
  • Dave Langlands (bass)
  • Mark Kelson (vocals, guitar)
  • Marty O'Shea (drums)

• Former members
  • Chris Stevenson (keys) (2002 - 2009)
  • Terry Vainoras (guitar) (2007 - 2009)
  • James O'Toole (bass) (2006 - 2007)
  • Lincoln Bowen (guitar) (2005 - 2006)
  • James Hunt (bass) (2003 - 2006)
  • Chris Burton (guitar) (2002 - 2004)
  • Ryan Buesnel (drums) (2002 - 2004)
  • Paul Tipping (bass) (2002 - 2003)

Band information

The Eternal began as an atmospheric doom/Goth band that until December 2002 was known as Cryptal Darkness. The band name changed due to issues with their former label. A promo CD was completed in mid-2003 and The Eternal began work on their debut album in November 2003 for release through Finnish label Firebox. Just prior to this, bassist Paul Tipping was replaced by James Hunt.

The Sombre Light of Isolation features guest vocals from Darren White (ex-Anathema, The Blood Divine) and blends the best elements of mid-to-late Katatonia with classic My Dying Bride into a fine album of majestic Gothic doom. Guitarist Chris Burton left The Eternal shortly after the album's release and was temporarily replaced by Mat Castles, formerly of Ne Plus Ultra, for shows in Europe and Hong Kong. Upon the band's return to Australia, drummer Ryan Buesnel then left The Eternal. He later joined The Veil. The Sombre Light of Isolation was voted into the Top 5 Australian metal albums of the year by listeners of the Triple J network's Full Metal Racket in late 2004. During that year, Kelson toured as Black Majesty's bass player.

In early 2005, it was announced that drummer O'Shea and former Mortification guitarist Bowen had joined The Eternal. The band then completed a second album that was released worldwide in late 2005 although distribution and contractual difficulties meant it wasn’t issued in Australia until well into 2006.

In March 2006 The Eternal supported H.I.M. in Sydney and Melbourne and then opened for Opeth two weeks later before a short national tour in June. Ex-Earth and Order of Chaos member Vainoras replaced Bowen and Hunt was replaced by O’Toole in 2006. Their third album Kartika was completed during 2008 and featured contributions from Duncan Patterson of Anathema. It was released on November 8. Touring in Australia and Japan was followed by US and European dates until well into 2009, playing with artists like Anathema and Tarja Turnunen. In June 2009 The Eternal opened for The 69 Eyes in Melbourne. Chris Stevenson departed the group in early 2009. He later picked up the Best Keyboards Player award at the Australian Metal Awards in November. Soon after, the band began recording their fourth album with Maria Ilmoniemi of Tarja Turnunen's band on keyboards. Developing the sound they had begun to explore on Kartika, Under a New Sun sees the band's style influenced by bands like Opeth and The Tea Party, with that band's singer Jeff Martin producing and doing a guest vocal spot. A tour of Australia, New Zealan and Japan kicked off in early February 2011 but after the first show Marty O'Shea broke his hand, leaving him unable to play. Early drummer Ryan Buesnel replaced him for the tour. In May 2011 they went on the road again, this time as the support for Jeff Martin 777.

Discography

Albums:

	2004	The Sombre Light of Isolation	Firebox
	2005	Sleep of Reason	Firebox
	2008	Kartika	Firebox
	2011	Under a New Sun	self release

VHS/DVD:

	2005	Sombre Visions	self release
	2006	A Fleeting Glance	Firebox