The Eternal Return Review

Released: Jun 23, 2009
Genre: Death Metal / Metal / Thrash
Label: Victory Records
Number Of Tracks: 10
Darkest Hour’s continuous reign of solid death metal once again shines with The Eternal Return, and like any great band, Darkest Hour continues to get stronger and stronger.

Sound:	8
Lyrics:	8
Impression:	8.5
Overall rating:	8.2
Users rating:	8.8
Comments:	64

overall: 8.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on june 24, 2009

Sound: With a band such as death metal icons Darkest Hour, it’s sure a great feeling to know right away that within first listen the band is back and still keeping it metal. With much anticipation, Darkest Hour has once again stunned the metal genre, and once again they leave their mark as one of the greats in the scene. Not only has their melodies gotten stronger, but their riffs are sharper, vocals more furious, guitar solos faster and crisper, and the band has found ways to give that music an epic and moving feel. But what remains the same is the fact that they still know how to master a strong song structure, and make the most out of it. They still keep those brilliant guitar tones that have continuously evolved into what the band is now. The Eternal Return opens up with Devolution Of Flesh, and right away Darkest Hour proves that they are back with a point to prove. Massive Swedish death metal riffs are counter attacked with some dark melodies, and that hard driven stomp that they create sure unleashes a ton of power. Darkest Hour comes right back with the memorable and fist pumping anthem of No God. From its opening strums to the band breaking into some razor sharp riffs, they sure bring all sorts of hell. The verses for example give that fast tempo melodic death metal that Darkest Hour has consistently shown a mastered force at, and when the guitars harmonize, the sound really shines bright. Not to mention that their new guitarist Mike Carrigan can shred, whether it’s a guitar solo or unleashing a mighty riff. As the song progresses, blistering riffs and great guitar teamwork help drive this one full force. Darkest Hour closes The Eternal Return with “Into The Grey”. The intro gives strong victorious notes of melody that set up the beast to be let loose and ready to destroy. Suddenly fast paced Swedish death metal riffs giving both the catch and the respectable metal feel puts the listener into instant headbanging. “Into The Grey” takes many turns and they really let those melodies shine, but when the razor sharp death metal riffs are let loose, the band sure shakes the ground with their presence. All in all as the band has progressed up to this date, Darkest Hour’s all around approach is more than a monster. It’s an influential force to be remembered. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Vocalist John Henry’s signature screams have made themselves recognizable as one of the main voices in metal, and the man continues to spread the message as if they were his last words. And he does it with such power and authority. I mean, upon hearing John Henr, you know Darkest Hour is coming. His delivery is even more furious, pissed off, and without a doubt, more determined. Lyrically, the album focuses on such subjects as life and death, but as always, Darkest Hour is helping to promote change, hope, and thinking for yourself. The Eternal Return has plenty of catchy sing along anthems that are both memorable and heavy as hell! // 8

Impression: Darkest Hour has always been a band I’ve had the utmost respect for. Not just for sticking true to their guns since 1995, not just for consistently getting stronger after every release, but also for helping create an enormous gateway for metal bands that listeners may not have listened to if not exposed to a heavier side. On first impression, I could already tell that Darkest Hour’s latest, The Eternal Return, is their strongest, heaviest, and innovative release to date. This is everything that you want to hear from Darkest Hour, plus more. With much watered down metal in today’s scene, The Eternal Return is a great addition to help turn that around. And I believe this album is going to create influence, and hopefully bring the scene back to where it should be. And also keep in mind that Kris Norris is not present in The Eternal Return. It sure doesn’t seem to matter, and that fact rarely crossed my mind while listening to the album from start to finish. The Eternal Return is definitely a CD to go out and buy, and Darkest Hour’s future is going to continue to get stronger. // 9

- Alex Gilbert (c) 2010

overall: 8

Reviewed by: 6stringz89, on june 29, 2009

Sound: This is the Darkest Hour fans have been waiting to here. If you were to take their greatest moments from their previous records, you would get The Eternal Return (the album title is a reference to them returning to their roots). And it really does sound like what you would get if you were to make an album of their 5 previous releases. The guitars are as tight as ever (although Kris Norris was replaced by Mike Carriga), the rhythm section keeps up the fast pace, and the vocals sound just as good as they've ever been. They do 'recycle' their sound every now and then (the harmony solo in "A Distorted Utopia" sounds similar to the one in "Fire in the Skies" and "Into the Grey" has a similar, slow intro like "Tunguska" had).

The first half of the album has some great moments like "No God" and "The Tides" (with a sweet, minute-long solo in the middle). But to me, the album's second half is without a doubt the best part. Starting with "Blessed Infection" (which might remind you of their Mark of the Judas record) and ending heavily with "Into the Grey", the second half doesn't let up one bit. Darkest Hour have come into their own and are here to stay. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: John Henry's voice has always been a driving force for Darkest Hour, and he probably figures "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Still growling about the decay of man and the world going to hell, he sounds just as good as he ever had. But if you're looking for more melodic singing like Deliver Us had, you won't be too happy with this record; Darkest Hour decided to take out the soft stuff, and go all out on this one. And that's what a lot of 'hardcore' fans probably wanted. It doesn't make much of a difference to me, just as long as they don't sing about emo stuff (like the new KSE) and keep the music heavy with sweeping solos. // 8

Impression: At first, I thought it was a not-so-good Undiong Ruin/Hidden Hands, but that went away after a few more close listens. "No God", "Blessed Infection", "Black Sun", and "Into the Grey" are my favorites, but there's something for just about everybody on here (after all, it IS the best Darkest hour has to offer). Personally, this is up there in my top DH albums (with Hidden Hands and Deliver Us) and it won't disappoint many fans. My only issue with this is that there are no catchy songs (probably since the melodic singing went away) and that the CD is only 34 minutes long. But I was so pleased upon hearing this that I'm going to buy it the first chance I get. Highly recommended for all DH fans and any fan of metal with great guitar work. A solid release from a consistent metal band. // 8

Comments

[macin]

are they even 'death' metal..?

[adrianjunger]

macin wrote:

are they even 'death' metal..?

Melodic Death Metal

[MattAnderson111]

They are considered melodic death metal, but a good amount of songs off of every album just point at metalcore influence (Sound The Surrender - Doomsayer)

[Pretty_Much]

They are considered awesome.

[macin]

They are considered melodic death metal, but a good amount of songs off of every album just point at metalcore influence (Sound The Surrender - Doomsayer)

that's what i thought as well.
they are awesome that's for sure.
I don't really care that much about genre's but i never considered them death metal, that's all
i guess i learned something today :p

[jasterofpuppets]

their earlier releases had a more metalcore/thrash influence and starting on so sedated.... it really got into melo death

[Spoony_Bard]

The reviewer gave it an 8.3, but never pointed out a single flaw in the record. Regardless, picking this up today.

[metal4ever6328]

this is the most bias review I have seen yet.

[Valderama]

Sooooo biased.

Metalcore band, and an awesome one at that. NOT death metal.

[joenataarctica]

this album is f***in tasty!

[Mass_debator]

metal4ever6328 wrote:

this is the most bias review I have seen yet.

If you want decent reviewing from UG Team you have to wait for Reviewer_Pete at the end of the month. Alas.

Anyone know if Devin Townsend produced this one? He made Darkest Hour sound SWEET!

[racman92]

I love DH! I'm so glad they came out with a new one, and it F*ckin rocks.

And does it really matter what -core they are?

[barge1]

they are goodcore. whatever. all that we know is that they arent as big as they should be and hopefully this album will push them to new heights

[flyingjew34]

Mass_debator wrote:

Anyone know if Devin Townsend produced this one? He made Darkest Hour sound SWEET!

It was produced by Brian McTernan (according to the insert)

This album is decent, but nothing more. It's not better than their past albums imo, but it's not bad either.

[metallifreak77]

haha the name of the band alone brings to mind the tiresome metalcore stereotype.

death metal? I doubt it, they may be experimenting with melo-death, but from what I can see this is not at all a death metal band.

[Lohnanmilitia]

yeah...This album still has a more metalcore feel to it, not that thats a bad thing for darkest hour. I thought the album wasnt to bad...the guys vocals just annoy me.

[Kaasflipje]

DH = win

[Eternium]

Darkest Hour plays melodic death metal with a hardcore attitude. No other way to really describe the band and they don't sound like anything else.

[kellen.dobmeier]

Darkest Hour isn't Death Metal, numbnuts. They're not even melodic death metal. They're slightly thrashy metalcore, at best.

[vascoa7x]

i like it, but kris norris was better than the new one but the new one is also great. And DH isint death metal, its metacore you retardeds

[slayer1516]

Gay trendy scene metal. Defiantly not death metal.

[dudesandudes]

ibanez_freq_777...It kinda sounds like...just marinate on this for a second...YOU might have a part in what's wrong with this generation. Just let it sit in the backgound...

BTW...what was the last album you put out?

[Eternium]

slayer1516 wrote:

Gay trendy scene metal. Defiantly not death metal.

This band has been around since 1995 and have stuck to the same general sound ever since. They are actually talented, play guitar solos, have good lyrics, and have no breakdowns, therefore having little in common with the trendy bands.

[jbridge90]

Listen UG, I love this band too, but getting on your knees getting ready to blow the big one isn't going to get you writing rep or anything. Just thought I would let you know

[HavokStrife]

Just so you know.

I ****ing hate death metal, I think it's the weakest shit out there, perhaps worse than pop if it weren't for the masturbatory solos that I guess require some musicianship. I could do blastbeats with my dick and my foot and I'm not even a drummer.

Whether you agree with me or not, Darkest Hour is one of my favorite bands making albums right now.

So yeah.

[Rancid69Sublime]

ibanez_freq_777 wrote:

These guys ****ing suck! How can any reasonably sane individual even come close to calling this shit death metal. It's just some fag screaming and moaning cause his ****ing boyfriend left him. U know there's something wrong with the big picture if I'm only 21 and I'm already wondering what the **** is wrong with this generation. The saddest thing is none of you nutless baby-huey bitches had the balls to go against the pack and call this band what they so rightfully should be called, which is a bunch of Screamo pussies. That is all. Try not to slip in ur tears now kiddies.

Like f***ing really?? i just love these mature musicians man. listen to the solo in Doomsayer or The Tide and then hoe them out. Its so rediculous how many close-minded musicians are, screaming is another way to express the emotion in a song, in this case it adds to darkest hour's epicness. So seriously man try to accomplish making an album like Deliver Us or Undoing Ruin and then talk S**T

[Rancid69Sublime]

btw decent album, kinda disappointed after Deliver Us, which is my personal favorite metal album. But ill be shocked if any metal CD tops Crack The Skye this year

[Reviewer Pete]

Mass_debator wrote:

metal4ever6328 wrote:

this is the most bias review I have seen yet.

If you want decent reviewing from UG Team you have to wait for Reviewer_Pete at the end of the month. Alas.

Anyone know if Devin Townsend produced this one? He made Darkest Hour sound SWEET!

Thanks for the kind comment, but I'll let this one out of the bag early: I won't review Darkest Hour this month.

[LTDman90]

My experiance with this band was something that left something to be desired. They over reacted over something really stupid when I saw them at Summer Slaughter. The music was kinda cool, but didn't really fit the show, and the vocalist kinda pissed me off.

[Pookie6]

Jesus Christ i had no idea there was a new album coming out. Seems like just yesterday Deliver Us came out. I'll be checking it out for sure soon!

[KsE3234]

this album really blew me away, it was super super good. one of my favorites this year, still anticipating the August Burns Red and Killswitch Engage albums later on this month and next month

[raidernixon]

Mike Carrigan is actually a great friend of mine...we went to high school together and still hangout when hes not busy with Darkest Hour. His old band, At All Cost, was pretty good as well. Hes an awesome dude and man can he ****ing play. He is the one who got me into music when I was much younger...I cant think of a better guy who deserves to be in this band as their new guitarist =). Rock on Mike!

[cjmenard]

ibanez_freq_777 wrote:

These guys ****ing suck! How can any reasonably sane individual even come close to calling this shit death metal. It's just some fag screaming and moaning cause his ****ing boyfriend left him. U know there's something wrong with the big picture if I'm only 21 and I'm already wondering what the **** is wrong with this generation. The saddest thing is none of you nutless baby-huey bitches had the balls to go against the pack and call this band what they so rightfully should be called, which is a bunch of Screamo pussies. That is all. Try not to slip in ur tears now kiddies.

Heeeey...guess what? You're acting like a child. I've been listening to metal since before you were able to understand what it was, so don't you DARE go accusing "this generation" of being a certain way when you don't even belong to this generation, you whiny little *******.

I think the album is good. It's no So Sedated or Hidden Hands, but it's good. I very much prefer it to Deliver Us. No crappy singing.

[#_of_the_beast]

darkest hour is not death metal

[Pretty_Much]

Stop the whole 'death metal' issue, it has been discussed, Jesus.

[Rancid69Sublime]

#_of_the_beast wrote:

darkest hour is not death metal

Pretty_Much wrote:

Stop the whole 'death metal' issue, it has been discussed, Jesus.

lol #_of_the_beast just got wrecked

[Rancid69Sublime]

i hate to post again..for like the 4th time.. but it just seems like they have become far less technical and melodic, i cant really find anything that makes me want to pick up a guitar like Deliver Us did, i miss kris...

[huevos]

HavokStrife wrote:

Just so you know.

I ****ing hate death metal, I think it's the weakest shit out there, perhaps worse than pop if it weren't for the masturbatory solos that I guess require some musicianship. I could do blastbeats with my dick and my foot and I'm not even a drummer.

Whether you agree with me or not, Darkest Hour is one of my favorite bands making albums right now.

So yeah.

You've described about 80% of all extreme metal, be it black, death, thrash, or grind. Metalcore is just as bad, with obnoxious and overused breakdowns.
Metal has been sliding into a marketable lifestyle, which all you troo mofos sponsor with pride.

Clear Channel pop-music is absolutely horrendenous, mind you. It's rehashed BS over and over again.
Not to say accessible tunes are bad, but they will always get overplayed.

[huevos]

slayer1516 wrote:

Gay trendy scene metal. Defiantly not death metal.

You prove my point.

"Troo" metal kids are to the present music scene as "goth" kids were to the last generation.
Anti-conformist and too cool for school.

[fuzzymunkee]

dudesandudes wrote:

ibanez_freq_777...It kinda sounds like...just marinate on this for a second...YOU might have a part in what's wrong with this generation. Just let it sit in the backgound...

BTW...what was the last album you put out?

+1

[saturnus07]

I don't want to fool myself, i recognize is a really good album but not as strong or brilliant as the ones with Kris. Still worth buying

[The Tak]

It is a good album but i think the review was a bit too bias. The eternal return displays lots of originality with the ocasional recycled riffs and melodies but overall it is still very catchy, my favourite after undoing ruin and deliver us.

[Lohnanmilitia]

KsE3234 wrote:

this album really blew me away, it was super super good. one of my favorites this year, still anticipating the August Burns Red and Killswitch Engage albums later on this month and next month

Dude...the new killswitch owns this album a billion times over. I cant stop listening to it.

[Dregen]

I'm laughing at the faggot elitists bagging these guys just because someone accidentally called them death metal.

[jibran]

YEah for darkest hour.

[shroomhound]

i knew the comments for this would be hilarious. i love how so many musicians waste their time hating stuff. it cracks me up. the older guys (who aren't even old) hate everything that the younger guys like. listening to them reminds me of getting a lecture from an old man in a pub - "back in my day music actually meaningful..." - and these people are only 20 something. retards.

i quite like DH, but anyone who doesn't like what i like is a whiny emo goth faggot, lol.

[Illiad86]

oh noes...this is not death metal....once again I've been fooled...

His voice is too...er...screamy. Death metal has the grunts and growls.

*sigh* Why can't Kalmah's new album be out already

[Schpudd]

anyone who says that it's nothing technical or melodic like kris did obviously hasn't heard the track 'No God' (that's 4th on the album for anyone too lazy)

also anyone bringing in killswitch engage at the side of this, they both have different sounds. new producer. new guitarist. not bad - just different.

anyone who's saying 'UHH ITS NOT OLD SKOOL METAL' or 'LOL ITS SCENE CRAP' stop being an idiot and listen to the music not the god damn fashion scene.

it comes down to the old saying, if you dont like a song youre listening to - youre not listening to it right. or something along those lines.

anyway im ranting. i actually dont care that much, i think the album's sick. and this way we get the kris norris project too.

[barge1]

i dont understand how this could be called scene metal, because
1. no breakdowns
2. the dudes in the band are just normal dudes
3. there is no singing
darkest hour is basically a bunch of americans who listen to way too much at the gates. end of story

[a drummer]

Most of the people commenting on this morons. Yes DH is metalcore, but on a more political side. Calling tis whiny bullshit is ignorant. Listen to stand and recieve your judgment. And you true "metal" fan who are fretting this is considered death metal are dumb as well. It was a mistake from whoever reviewed this. This is metalcore at its finest, if thats even a complement.

[Valo]

This album totally slays the piece of shit Killswitch released. It is just a carbon copy of their previous effort.

[Reages]

this is album is sick!

[Octtwe88]

Darkest Hour is most likely my favorite band if I ABSOLUTELY HAD to choose one. And I found the album somewhat a little more boring than the previous 2 or more but its still way worth a listen. *cough*and not death metal*cough*

[Uncrrupt]

After a few listens I finaly got this record. Believe me .. IT GROWS. Faves: No God, Distorted Utopia, Trancendence

[Marsmallos]

As for the genre argument... They play metalcore you say, but without the breakdowns. The vocals are deeper then the common metal scream and are pretty similar to dark tranquillity. The guitar is very melodic. I would go for Melodic Death Metal in the vein of in flames/dark tranquillity

[guitarfreak1809]

ive been following this band since they came out in 2000... there sound has been some of the best stuff that ive listened to, by far from there mark of the judas album to the eternal return they have dominated the death metal/melodic metal/ metalcore/ what so have you.... as a musician and song writer there music is some of the most advanced and well-written in the metal(and any sub-category)scene..... i believe kris norris had a great impact on how they developed there sound.. even though he is no longer part of the band..

[NightEmbers]

guitarfreak1809 wrote:

ive been following this band since they came out in 2000... there sound has been some of the best stuff that ive listened to, by far from there mark of the judas album to the eternal return they have dominated the death metal/melodic metal/ metalcore/ what so have you.... as a musician and song writer there music is some of the most advanced and well-written in the metal(and any sub-category)scene..... i believe kris norris had a great impact on how they developed there sound.. even though he is no longer part of the band..

yeah he did but Dammit that guitar sounds are still so damn good... they have achieved a killer distinct tone that rapes my ears in a good way

[Arcdemon44]

all you pussies that think DH singing on Deliver Us was bad need to grow up, let bands do what they want, very good effort here

[death_unknown]

Their sound has evolved since Hidden Hands of the Sadist Nation. That cd is badass. Thrashy metal all the way thru. Undoing Ruin was more melodic death metal. But still badass. Deliver us had a couple descent songs on it. Kris Norris was ****en amazing. But Mike "Lonestar" Carrigan is awesome to. Hes a good replacement. He plays just as well live to as Kris Norris did. Solos are still there on The Eternal Return and theyre good. They stick to the At The Gates style with some some heaviness to it. The Eternal Return is an awesome cd.

[death_unknown]

And to Guitarfreak1809, they didnt come out in 2000. Theyve been around for almost 15 years now.

[Megalomaniac46]

I'm sick of people arguing over genres. I think we can all agree it's good music. Can't we just leave it at that :s

[hxckid666]

Darkest Hour rules thats all there is to it, By far best song on the new album is blessed infection. They are not screamo pussys they are very very seasoned and experienced musicians. Allthough i dont think its their best album it sure has some amazing song and solos and everything, i juust dont think the wholw album screams EPIC! like Deliver us did , on deliver us it seems like they really went all out to give it an amazing feel i didnt really hear to many epic melodic parts of songs that they had in delver us they would like use a wah pedal and a whole bunch of cool stufff that just gave it an amazin feel, but either way this new album does rule. No God and Blessed Infection are amazing!

[hxckid666]

OH and listen to the dual solo on Fire in the skies off Deliver us it brings tears to me eyes everytime.

[hxckid666]

Rancid69Sublime wrote:

ibanez_freq_777 wrote:

These guys ****ing suck! How can any reasonably sane individual even come close to calling this shit death metal. It's just some fag screaming and moaning cause his ****ing boyfriend left him. U know there's something wrong with the big picture if I'm only 21 and I'm already wondering what the **** is wrong with this generation. The saddest thing is none of you nutless baby-huey bitches had the balls to go against the pack and call this band what they so rightfully should be called, which is a bunch of Screamo pussies. That is all. Try not to slip in ur tears now kiddies.

Like f***ing really?? i just love these mature musicians man. listen to the solo in Doomsayer or The Tide and then hoe them out. Its so rediculous how many close-minded musicians are, screaming is another way to express the emotion in a song, in this case it adds to darkest hour's epicness. So seriously man try to accomplish making an album like Deliver Us or Undoing Ruin and then talk S**T

Actually listen the dual solo in fire in the skies it has brought tears to my eyes more than once! BU it son delver us tho