Eternity’s End contains Christian Munzner, Hannes Grossman, and Linus Klausenitzer in its ranks. Before assuming this is a killer technical death metal band, let me inform you that it’s not. They are, however, described as “technical power metal,” so take that for what it is. Most power metal bands have a tech aspect with their frequent breakneck speed, soaring guitar solos and the vocals to match, so it’s probably not necessary to reach too much into the label. As a fan of their previous work, Unyielding, I was definitely looking forward to this one.

It does not disappoint. Regarding the length of the album, they already have won me over. I expected an hour of power metal, as was the case with Unyielding, but here they have streamlined the results to a little over 40 minutes.

It begins with “Dreadnought (The Voyage of the Damned).” When the intro takes shape, I was expecting one of those high-pitched power metal howls to come in and break it up, but no… No such luck. Instead, they get right into the gallop for which power metal is known. You know what it is even if you claim you don’t. Of course, power metal means nothing if there’s no chorus or guitar heroics, and although both of those exist here, I probably would have chosen the next song for the opener.

That next song is “Bane of the Blacksword.” While it doesn’t do anything much different than the first track, the chorus is much more memorable. Perhaps, though, the next track, “Hounds of Tindalos,” has an even better one, as it is potentially the best chorus on the album. Maybe that’s why the band themselves have said it’s one of the catchiest tracks they’ve ever written. It’s also the subject of their first official music video.

I spoke earlier about that power metal howl I was expecting. Well, you get that on “Call of the Valkyries,” the very next track, so maybe it should have been the first track. Shit. I don’t know anything. The chorus here is of course top notch with a call and response including some very appropriate gang vocals. Something I haven’t mentioned much because it’s typically a given with this genre, is that the lead work is stellar. It has that Children of Bodom quality where sometimes one can’t quite tell for a moment whether you’re hearing a guitar or a keyboard. However, it’s only for a moment. Keys are used on the album in places, but the lead work here is all exhilarating, humbling guitars. By that, I mean it makes me realize I suck at guitar.

I realize I have basically gone through the album in order so far and that doesn’t stop with the next track, “Arcturus Prime,” which is unfortunately not a tribute to the band of the same name (to my knowledge). I mention it because it was the first track Prosthetic released for the album. Of note here is the chorus, which sounds a lot like Blind Guardian. For all of the guitar aficionados, near the end of the track, guitar leads take over and could potentially leave your head spinning.

The last track on the album is of course the title track, “Embers of War.” They made it the last track as well as the longest at over 9 minutes. It begins with some chanting and frenetic, yet clean guitar lead work. Its chorus is definitely of the “this is closing out the album” variety. While it’s catchy, it’s more of a down beat, shall I say “moping” variety. End of the world type shit. You know, what you can expect from a song with such a title.

Overall, I’m impressed. I have liked everything I have heard from Eternity’s End so far, but I find myself enjoying this a little more than their last one. Of course, that could be because of my personal preference for length (make your fucking jokes, kids). I haven’t indulged in much power metal this year. In fact, the only ones I recall off the top of my head are Silver Talon and Iron Maiden. Only one of those could be described as traditional. I wouldn’t dare compare any of the three. Just let it be known if you have an Iced Earth (although John Schaffer can kindly fuck himself) or Blind Guardian sized hole (giggity) in your heart, Eternity’s End will gladly fill it (that can also be interpreted as sexual).

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