The Australian/Finnish gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL, following the critical acclaim of their 2024 release "Skinwalker," have unveiled their latest offering, "Obscured Horizons." This new album, featuring a tracklist of nine songs including "Lament For The Hollow," "Existing To Expire," and the title track "Obscured Horizons," arrives with significant anticipation given the band’s recent momentum. However, early assessments suggest that "Obscured Horizons" may not fully capitalize on the promise shown by its predecessor, presenting a more uneven listening experience that contrasts with the consistent strength of "Skinwalker."
A Look Back: The Ascendancy of THE ETERNAL
Formed over two decades ago, THE ETERNAL has steadily cultivated a dedicated following within the gothic metal scene. While their initial years were primarily focused on the Australian music landscape, the band’s international profile received a considerable boost with the release of "Skinwalker." This album, lauded for its potent blend of melodic riffs and emotive vocals, drew comparisons to established acts such as PARADISE LOST, DRACONIAN, and NOVEMBRE. The album’s success was further amplified by the established pedigree of its current lineup. The inclusion of Jan Rechberger, the drummer for the renowned Finnish metal band AMORPHIS since 2020, and former AMORPHIS bassist Niclas Etelävuori, who joined THE ETERNAL in 2021, brought significant name recognition and seasoned musicianship to the project. This confluence of critical praise and star power positioned THE ETERNAL for a potential breakthrough with their subsequent release.
"Obscured Horizons": An Ambitious Yet Uneven Journey
"Obscured Horizons" presents a complex sonic tapestry that, while containing moments of brilliance, struggles to maintain the cohesive power of "Skinwalker." Founding member, vocalist, and guitarist Mark Kelson, whose vocal delivery has been noted for its melodic arch and at times draws a visual parallel to Brian Vander Ark of THE VERVE PIPE, anchors the album. The opening track, "Lament For The Hollow," echoes the successful formula of "Skinwalker," featuring a powerful chorus and a dynamic guitar solo from Richie Poate. The subsequent track, "Existing To Expire," introduces a subtle European dance pulse that underscores the band’s inherent gothic sensibilities.
However, as the album progresses, a discernible shift in tone and execution emerges. The dark overtones that characterized "Skinwalker" appear diluted on tracks like "Colours Fade," which is described as poppy and unbalanced, and potentially a less impactful inclusion. "Harmony Breaks" begins with a promising heavy introduction but transitions into a ponderous verse. Kelson’s vocal approach during these sections, characterized by elongated builds leading into what are perceived as quirky choruses, is noted as a point of contention. The reflective track "I’ve Seen The Dream" continues this mid-album trend, contributing to a perceived loss of momentum and thematic intensity.
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Album’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The album’s structural and thematic exploration continues with "Liminality," which attempts to break the monotony with a syncopated opening rhythm. Despite this effort, vocal choices in the verses, even with layered harmonies, are cited as not entirely effective. The title track, "Obscured Horizons," and particularly "Yesterday’s Gone," lean towards a more conventional rock sound. "Yesterday’s Gone," despite its chuggier rhythms, is critiqued for a perceived lack of dynamic variation. It is important to note that the contributions of Etelävuori and Rechberger are described as dutiful, with no discernible "AMORPHIS bleed over" influencing their performances within THE ETERNAL’s established sound.
The comparison to "Skinwalker" becomes particularly salient when evaluating "Obscured Horizons." While "Skinwalker" offered a consistent and rewarding experience across all its nine tracks and 65 minutes, "Obscured Horizons" is presented as a less successful endeavor. The critical consensus suggests that the band, which seemed on the cusp of a significant artistic leap, may need to re-evaluate their creative direction. The inclusion of "When The Fire Dies" from "Skinwalker" as a standout triumph further highlights the perceived gap between the band’s previous success and their current output.
Supporting Data and Context
Release Timeline:
- Formation: Early 2000s (exact year not specified in source material, but over 21 years prior to current release).
- "Skinwalker" Release: 2024 (source implies this is the immediate predecessor to "Obscured Horizons").
- Jan Rechberger joins THE ETERNAL: 2020.
- Niclas Etelävuori joins THE ETERNAL: 2021.
- "Obscured Horizons" Release: Current (implied to be late 2024 or early 2025, following "Skinwalker").
Band Lineup and Influences:
- THE ETERNAL: Mark Kelson (vocals, guitar), Richie Poate (guitar), Jan Rechberger (drums – also of AMORPHIS), Niclas Etelävuori (bass – formerly of AMORPHIS).
- Comparisons on "Skinwalker": PARADISE LOST, DRACONIAN, NOVEMBRE.
- Vocal Comparison: Mark Kelson to Brian Vander Ark of THE VERVE PIPE.
Album Details:
- "Skinwalker": 9 tracks, 65 minutes of airplay, lauded for consistent quality.
- "Obscured Horizons": 9 tracks, tracklist includes "Lament For The Hollow," "Existing To Expire," "Colours Fade," "Harmony Breaks," "I’ve Seen The Dream," "Liminality," "Obscured Horizons," "Yesterday’s Gone," "Awaken."
Inferred Reactions and Broader Impact
While direct statements from band members or their label are not provided in the source material, the critical reception of "Obscured Horizons" suggests a divergence in opinion from the overwhelmingly positive response to "Skinwalker." This shift in critical sentiment could have implications for the band’s trajectory. A strong follow-up to a critically acclaimed album is often crucial for solidifying an artist’s position in the mainstream music landscape. The perception of "Obscured Horizons" as a "miss" by some reviewers may lead to a re-evaluation of the band’s marketing strategies and future creative output.
The inclusion of established musicians from AMORPHIS, while a significant draw, also raises expectations. The current assessment indicates that their presence, while professionally executed, did not translate into the consistent brilliance seen on "Skinwalker." This might prompt discussions within the band about balancing individual artistic contributions with the cohesive sound of THE ETERNAL.
From an industry perspective, this scenario highlights the inherent challenges of following up a breakthrough album. Success can create immense pressure, and the creative process can sometimes lead to unexpected detours. The critical reception of "Obscured Horizons" serves as a case study in the volatile nature of musical reception, where even established acts can experience a dip in critical favor. The band’s stated need to "go back to the drawing board" implies an acknowledgment of these challenges and a commitment to addressing them in future endeavors. The coming months will likely reveal how THE ETERNAL chooses to navigate this setback and whether they can recapture the momentum that made "Skinwalker" such a memorable release. The band’s ability to learn from this experience and refine their artistic vision will be key to their long-term success in the competitive gothic metal genre.
