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, Dreadnaught, Damaged, Order of Chaos, Black Majesty, Catwitch, Earth, The Veil, InSomnius Dei, Desolate Eternity, Paramaecium, Subterranean Disposition |
| Website | http://www.the-eternal.com |
| Members | Brad Cook, 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
- Brad Cook (guitar)
- 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 saw 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.
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.
Discography
Albums:
| 2004 | The Sombre Light of Isolation | Firebox | |
| 2005 | Sleep of Reason | Firebox | |
| 2008 | Kartika | Firebox | |
| 2011 | Under a New Sun | self release | |
| 2013 | When the Circle of Light Begins to Fade | self release |
VHS/DVD:
| 2005 | Sombre Visions | self release | |
| 2006 | A Fleeting Glance | Firebox |