Eternity’s End – Embers of War
Release Date: 26th November 2021
Label: Prosthetic Records
Pre-Order/Pre-Save
Genre: Technical Power Metal with classic Speed, Heavy Metal and Prog influences.
FFO: Lost Horizon, Racer X, Blind Guardian, old Symphony X, Angra.
Review By: Rick Farley
Eternity’s End do not reinvent the wheel or redefine the Power Metal genre on Embers of War, but they damn sure might be the best Technical Power Metal band going right now. Christian Muenzner, Hannes Grossmann and Linus Klausenitzer all of Obscura and Alkaloid fame amongst other amazing bands, return with new guitar player Justin Hombach and returning vocalist from their previous record, Iuri Sanson (ex-Hibria) to bring you a benchmark for modern Technical Power Metal all presented in a straightforward accessible classic Heavy Metal context. In short, probably the finest Power Metal album you’ll hear all year.
Filled with fast aggressive riffs leaning towards Speed Metal and sometimes even Thrash Metal, hyper twin guitar harmonies, duelling solos, and soaring guitar melodies all in its neoclassical and slightly progressive glory. Muenzner and Hombach are both incredible guitar players who appear to be on equal ground talent wise, but I believe the solos are about 60-40% in favour of Muenzer, if you care about that sort of thing. The guitars on Embers of War are incredible. If you like tasteful and catchy shred, that alone could draw you in. Inspired nods to Racer X, Cacophony and Yngwie J. Malmsteen.
Hannes Grossmann is usually more well known in the Death Metal genre with bands like Necrophagist, Obscura, Alkaloid and Hate Eternal. He and Muenzner have played together on so many different projects and bands it’s no surprise for him to be the drummer for Eternity’s End. The drums are fast-paced, intense and technical, but never overtake the song for the sake of it. For this style of music, the drums are damn near perfect. Driving the song and allowing everyone else to shine when needed, while also bringing incredible musicianship.
The bass comes through in a way that a Tech Death Metal band would, often mirroring the complexity of the guitar and always audible. Ample bass melodies and standalone solos, Linus Klausenitzer is an example of virtuoso musicianship. Like Hannes, he also knows when to play for the song and doesn’t just noodle about for no reason. He’s one of metals most skilled bassists and really shows it on this album. Arcturus Prime is the perfect example of how good Linus is.
Embers of War is full of epic vocal melodies, huge Euro-style anthemic choirs, soaring high-pitched vocals and bombastic choruses in the vein of Iron Savior and Blind Guardian. Iuri Sanson is a superb and powerful classic metal style vocalist with all the needed over-the-top Power Metal elements. Call of theValkyries while being my favourite track is also his best performance on the record. Lyrically, Embers of War describe epic battles from real life to sword and sorcery style fantasy settings and 80’s sci-fi.
The production on the record is top-notch and very polished. Everything’s cohesive and mixed very well. Incredible individual performances that are expertly crafted within the context of each song. Songwriting always come first, however. Muenzner and Grossmann produced the record, with Grossmann handling the mixing and mastering.
Embers of War absolutely jams. Bringing clean, sharp and polished galloping rhythms with serious shred and soaring vocals. Extremely technical with unmatched musicianship in the genre of Power Metal. Infectious and memorable, it’s glorious from beginning to end. Honestly, I could see most metalheads finding something to enjoy about this album, regardless of how they feel about Power Metal. The pedigree here of those involved is so high it should not be ignored. As the press release states, Eternity’s End set out to embrace making an album irresistible to headbangers around the globe. They certainly did that!
(4.5 / 5)
