Review by Alex on May 18, 2019.

The Night Eternal have got something special here, a dreamy type of heavy metal that I can't stop listening to at the moment. It's only 4 original songs but the delivery tells of way greater things to come. This record is a surprise especially at this point which sees heavy metal blossom with new bands every day. Hearing The Night Eternal reminds me of so many bands, but more specifically they sound like a bridge between Demon Head and a much bigger band that I refuse to mention. It also has a very progressive overtone that keeps me keen during its entirety, further adding to my likeness of the material and replay-value. It has all the right amounts of mystery and progression for a heavy metal record of this nature. There's a haunting and foreboding yet very optimistic sound thanks to the vocalist, his voice brings The Night Eternal to the table of good debut records thus far for 2019. His range is good and has a professional sound but also reeks of a lingering underground rawness. Don't let your guard down, The Night Eternal is one of the bands to stay abreast with for 2019 and forward. 

The first note of the title track gave me the impression that the music here's of a high caliber, as it progressed every song following sounded better as if trying to out-perform the prior. They speak volumes of The Night Eternal’s ability to compose music that carries with it a succinct theme. This 4-track EP is superb, it's a fountain of ear catching melodies that are rich in atmosphere. Just imagine a full-length effort from this band, it would stomp all over the underground metal floor. The music is so good that the fantastic artwork is provided with an air of animation. From the opening lick of “Eternal Night”, to the guitar soloing and transitions used to bridge the chorus, these tunes extend their reach for the listeners ears. 

You can't pretend the music is bad, no way, it's top of the line material that sounds as if it was produced in the mid-80s. Whilst listening to “Mark of Kain” I developed such a likeness for the material that it had me wishing the session would not come to an end. There's so much to extract from this material that it buries the feeble efforts of other bands both underground and commercial. Not too impressed with the Judas Priest cover, it's not bad, it just doesn't suit the band and tone here, as the tunes created on The Night Eternal Dark are dark sounding. However, for what's delivered as original tracks I'm very pleased and hope that a full-length record is or will be in the works soon.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Luka on May 17, 2002.

It took me ages before I finally figured out what album this reminded me so much of, and I kicked myself when it finally dawned on me that it was none other the "Tales From the Thousand Lakes" masterpiece by Amorphis: one of my most cherished CD's ever. The guitar production, for one, is the biggest resemblance and the warm and simple keyboard melodies brought back so many memories that my eyes almost welled with tears. Add clear vocals and replace the slow doom sound of Amorphis with a more upbeat rock style and you've got Raventhrone: a laid-back death-'n-roll band that keep the idea simple and would easily appeal to a metal fan of any style.

It's the kind of album that grows on you with every listen, and after two or three runs I guarantee it will stay in your player for no less than a month. Particularly catchy and memorable songs like 'Soulstorm' and 'A Night Among the Ruins of Basra' will take up residence in your head before you know it and you'll find it impossible to focus on anything else.

I described the album as "retro" in the opening sentence for its interesting and slightly old-school approach and daring vocal/lyrical style that few bands today would use. The lyrics are simple verses that sound like ancient sagas describing battles, evil minions, heroes, Norse gods, and the like; in a very simple and understandable way. It differs greatly from the majority of bands today who use so many metaphors in their lyrics to the point where they become too vague to pick up anything from them. While some songs have a filler riff lurking here and there it is generally hard to find any faults with this band. So get their album, buy it, order it, steal it, I don't care, it kicks ass and if you're a fan of any kind of metal I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

Bottom Line: Very easy to like. An interesting album that belongs to no genre in particular, but somehow to all of them.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 7
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9
Overall: 10

Rating: 8.8 out of 10