The Eternal

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)

Website

the-eternal.com

Formed

Melbourne, VIC, 2002

Band information

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. 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.

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. Chris Stevenson departed the group in early 2009. In June The Eternal opened for The 69 Eyes in Melbourne.

Kelson was a touring member of Black Majesty in 2004.

Discography

Albums:

	2004	The Sombre Light of Isolation	Firebox
	2005	Sleep of Reason	Firebox
	2008	Kartika	Firebox

VHS/DVD:

	2005	Sombre Visions	self release
	2006	A Fleeting Glance	Firebox