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
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. 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. Chris Stevenson departed the group in early 2009. He later picked up the Best Keyboards Player award at the Australian Metal Awards in November.
In June The Eternal opened for The 69 Eyes in Melbourne. The band has now begun preparing for the recording of their fourth album with Maria Ilmoniemi of Tarja Turnunen's band on keyboards and with Jeff Martin of The Tea Party producing.
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 |