The Eternal

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

Band members

• Current line-up
  • Dave Langlands (bass)
  • Mark Kelson (vocals, guitar)
  • Ando McDougall (drums)
  • Richie Poate (guitar)

• Former members
  • Marty O'Shea (drums) 2007 - 2019
  • Brad Cook (guitar) 2011 - 2018
  • 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 is a Goth metal band that grew out of Cryptal Darkness. 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). Guitarist Chris Burton left The Eternal shortly after the album's release and was temporarily replaced by Matt 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.

In early 2005, it was announced that drummer Marty O'Shea and former Mortification guitarist Lincoln 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. Terry Vainoras replaced Bowen and Hunt was replaced by James 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. Soon after, the band began recording their fourth album with Maria Ilmoniemi of Tarja Turnunen's band on keyboards. Under a New Sun was produced by Jeff Martin of The Tea Party. A tour of Australia, New Zealand 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.

Brad Cook joined on guitar during 2011 and The Eternal began recording a new album, with Kelson producing. In October 2013 the band toured nationally with Amorphis. My Dying Bride's Martin Powell worked on the next two studio albums; Richie Poate of Dreadnaught replaced Cook in 2018 and following Waiting for the Endless Dawn O'Shea's place was taken by Ando McDougall.

Discography

Albums:

2004	The Sombre Light of Isolation	Firebox
2005	Sleep of Reason	Firebox
2008	Kartika	Firebox
2010	Live at the East Brunswick Club	Independent
2011	Under a New Sun	Independent
2015	When the Circle of Light Begins to Fade	Audio Cave
2015	Circle of Live	Independent
2015	Waiting for the Endless Dawn	Inverse

VHS/DVD:

2005	Sombre Visions	Independent
2006	A Fleeting Glance	Firebox