Eternal Closure – At the Centre Of It All – Chapter 1
Release Date: 23rd September 2022
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Melodic Metal, Prog, Nu-Metal.
FFO: Spiritbox, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, As I Lay Dying.
Review By: Mark Waight
There is really only one way to listen to At the Centre of It all – Chapter 1 by Eternal Closure, and that is very loud indeed! So, turn your music listening device up to maximum volume and prepare your ears for the sweet and sour sound of modern metal at its very best. At the Centre of It All – Chapter 1 has elements of Death Metal, Melodic Metal and Nu Metal in a full-on metal cocktail that just works so well it will leave you crying out for more!
Eternal Closure hail from Montreal in Canada and are Katrine Castonguay (vocals), Olivier Boitel (Guitars, backing vocals), Jonathan Lauzon (Bass, backing vocals), Philippe Boitel (Drums), Marine Lacarriere (Guitar), Phil Lemelin (Guitar).
Track one, Conflict, quietly begins with a Joy Division 80s style opening that skilfully leads into a melodic metal intro, and where the fun really begins. The grunts, growls and softer, clean vocals all work superbly well together, which continues onto Practice What You Preach, alternating between angelic and demonic vocals using both male and female voices; it’s such a cool dynamic. The tight guitar playing is delivered with precision, as we travel between the three metal elements to a chilled-out finish.
Exiled begins with a fantastic hammered out drum beat and harmonious Nu-Metal style vocals. Rhythmically, the track throws in some great changes, landing on some killer grooves! The guitar solo is also sublime, and the sharp climax to the song hits the sweet spot. Dimensions Apart has a soft start that quickly erupts into a banging metal tune. The heavy bass and chorus line create a great atmosphere, and this just about shades it as my favourite track.
From One Side to Another show’s occasional glimpses that the Eternal Closure do have a moodier side to their armoury with a track that highlights all the craft and skill the band have to offer, as the music flits between the different sounds. Last track, Moonrider, is a fabulous finale to the album, it is an epic metal offering that ticks all the boxes to deliver a musical fiesta. It is atmospheric, moody, dark and most of all superbly performed.
My only complaint about At the Centre of It All – Chapter 1 is that at less than 28 minutes long it is far too short and somewhere between an LP and an EP. That said, I can’t wait for Chapter 2, so get working on it, guys!
(4 / 5)
