Oh, Canada. Known for...absolutely nothing. Maybe Niagra Falls, and a place where drugs are legal, but that’s about it. However, this country that nobody seems to give a damn about is home to many, many brilliant metal bands, including Cryptopsy, Voivod, Unexpect, Strapping Young Lad’s Devin Townsend, Forgotten Tales, and the point of this review, Into Eternity.
Into Eternity was founded sometime before the year 2000, releasing their first album in 2000, a self titled effort on DVS, a Dutch label. 2001 brought what many claim to be their breakout effort, Dead Or Dreaming. Into Eternity were finally known by the music scene for their interesting brand of music. Lineup changes occured soon after, and the group released Buried In Oblivion, undoubtedly their crowning achievement. More lineup changes occured after that, and the band is currently writing material for their new album.
Into Eternity - Buried In Oblivion
Released - February 10th, 2004, on Century Media Records
Members:
Chris Krall - Clean/Death Vocals
Tim Roth - Guitars/Clean/Death Vocals
Rob Doherty - Guitars/Death Vocals
Scott Krall - Bass/Backing Vocals
Jim Austin - Drums/Backing Vocals
Into Eternity is really hard to classify musically. They play a blend of prog, death, and technical metal, yet still manage to sound unlike the countless bands in each of those genres. There’s brutality, and sublety, beauty and beastliness, technicality and melody, all within 40 minutes. It’s truly stunning to listen to a band that has this many facets, yet still manages to keep the listener interested.
As said before, Buried In Oblivion is the band’s crowning achievement. Whereas Dead Or Dreaming almost sounded a bit like a more technical Shadows Fall (I think), Buried In Oblivion shows a refinement of the band’s sound, and a venture into the unknown.
And man, they can really write. Throughout the course of a single track, a song can contain flat out death metal moments, interesting harmonized parts, a superbly executed solo, and a progish chorus. The guitars are unparalled, with some absolutely depressing riffs and solos, harmonized at times even. The bass is hearable, and interesting as well, a rarity in music these days, and, of course, the drums are excellent as well, combining the three forms of music that require drumming of an untouchable calibar.
The vocals may put some off at first. There are some growled moments that rival some of the heaviest bands around, and some prog moments that will irritate non fans of prog to no end. They need a chance to grow on you. Once they do, the listener realizes that all of the vocalists (yes, they all do vocals at one point or another) are excellent, especially Scott. He can hit some ridiculously high notes, and has excellent holding ability (if you can understand that...).
Into Eternity is a really depressing band, if you choose to analyze their lyrics. Not one song on this album has a positive point in the lyrics. They all delve into the evils of our society, from pill addictions to suicide to self resentment and hatred. Rather powerful, if you really stop to think about it.
So. You’ve heard me ramble on about this album for a good...5 minutes, maybe, depending on your reading level. You may be interested to check out the album, yet don’t know where to start, yes?
Just for you people:
Recommended Tracks:
Splintered Visions - Opens straight away with some of the most jawdropping technicality you’ll ever hear: harmonized arpeggios, if I’m not mistaken. The focus of this song is on technicality, as there are some really almost hard to listen to parts if you aren’t used to it. For those who are, this is a real treat...or a ticket to suicide, if you pride yourself on being a musician.
3 Dimensional Aperture - One of my favorites on the album, and also one of the best, this is an incredible song. It covers almost all of what the band has to offer, and has some brilliant vocal, solo, and riff lines. This will make you an instant fan, no matter what.
Spiraling Into Depression - A single from the band, this is a step down technically from the rest of the work on the album, yet it’s catchy, short, and easy to listen to, if you’re a metalhead. Some of the sustain on the vocals is incredible as well.
Buried In Oblivion/Black Sea Of Agony - An epic, broken up into 2 tracks; all I can say about this one is My God. The first part, Buried In Oblivion, is an almost entirely acoustic song, save for one distorted solo. No drums, no bass, just acoustic guitars, keys at the end, and vocals. It’s haunting, and unbelievably emotional. It will stir feelings up deep from inside you, and make you sit in awe. Then, Black Sea Of Agony kicks in, and kicks you in the balls. The distortion comes back on, and the longest song on the album commences, chock full of everything Into Eternity is famous for, times 10. TRULY one of the greatest epics you will ever hear.
Overall - Canada did something right. This album is one people could truly call unique, without having to resort to some far out crap that only 5 people will like. Superb instrumentation, superb vocals, and superb writing all come together to form an album that will surely stand the test of time.
Final Rating - 9.5/10
Note: There are a few tracks available on Into Eternity’s website, and on Century Media’s website. To find them, use this: www.google.com
I hope you understand that I give a crap about anyone who is willing to be respectful of others. Your opinion is valued.
