INTO ETERNITY
I must concede my complacent attitude toward this album when I first got wind of it. Though the samples got me interested, I moved rather slowly toward finally purchasing it and now that I am so firmly entrenched in spinning it, I can only wonder what the hell was wrong with me. Talk about your hooks! INTO ETERNITY, perhaps Canada's formerly best kept secret, hit the scene with their second release, Dead Or Dreaming. I'll be doing some backtracking shortly enough but right now Dead Or Dreaming has me quite content.Take the best East Coast Metalisms (ala SHADOWS FALL) and give these Canadians their own creative powers to spruce it up and you have some of the best North American Metal you are likely to hear in a years. Dead Or Dreaming is all about the catchiness and this extends from its strong use of vocal melodies and precise riffing. We are all very well accustomed to the common practice of welding together alternating vocal styles and INTO ETERNITY are about as schooled at it as any other who have been doing it for years. The exception here is that the cleaner singing is very professional and not in the least lacking in power or professionalism. Vocals are merely a integral piece in a much larger puzzle, however. This is an album that is full of dynamic structure and stylish construct. Varying degrees of depth exist and this is produced out of songwriting that concentrates on the finer points like individual riff and tempo transitions and the marrying of harmonizing vocal patterns and creative dual guitar work. Acoustic guitars too, find their place nestled within the chaotic fusion of hard driving electric riffs, crafty keyboards (which are used very sparingly) and diverse drum patterns. Its rather quite amazing at times, especially on tracks like "Elysium Dream", a song that truly demonstrates the craftiness and incredible talent the band harbor. Just as soon as you get caudled by the dreamy vocal serenades you'll have your aorta torn out by "Selling God", a terrified tantrum of nimble Death Metal nirvana. And this is how it works on Dead Or Dreaming, a completely unpredictable ride across varied soundscapes, all of which are equally impressive.
I cannot find too much to find fault with here. In fact, my only minor gripe is with the guitar sound that might have benefited from a bit more bass to support it. In no way does this detract from the fact that this is a superb album and among the finest I have ever heard in this hybrid genre of Metal. Fans of bands like DARKEST HOUR, SHADOWS FALL will find this album more than a joy to listen to. It's become a irreplaceable part of my collection as of late and I think years from now it will be hailed as a minor classic of sorts.
