Releasing their debut a year into their career, ASTRALBORNE, has laid "Eternity's End" unto the world for all to see. Many writers past and present have mused over the ambivalence of dying and life after death, what separates these musings one from another is the presentation and loudness of the message, through those vehicles ASTRALBORNE cuts a pretty clear path.

Commencing with the instrumental, "Eulogy In Black," the album opens up with a well recorded atmospheric piece divided between synth strings and pure acoustic guitar, both of which building off of the other before suddenly changing to the first track, "Attending the Funeral." The lead follows the acoustic lead from the preceding song-marking it as more of a prelude than a pure instrumental-but quickly changes the rhythm and structure as the vocals join in for the verse. "Transcendence Of Flesh" begins from a segue but quickly changes to the tempo to a much faster course, favoring a much more lively progression; built around an energetic riff the song is inspiring to listen to, though the vocals are difficult to decipher, yet within the chorus does lie a reference to DEATH'S, "Voice Of The Soul," as a name drop.

"Centuries (In Agony)" is a departure from the previous tones of the album being more focused on rhythm and groove than ferocious drums and relentless guitars-though such motifs still play a role in the fills. The album's namesake, "Eternity's End" goes from 0 to 100 without any inkling of hesitation, the acoustic sections hint at a greater ability of composing before the entire song shifts focus back to heavier aspects. The song changes tempo and rhythm again striking an even faster beat, and carries another reference to DEATH this time, "Flesh And The Power It Holds." Dynamically speaking, "Reflections," is a continuation of the former song although musically it shifts into a slightly brighter direction, the strings are brilliantly paired with one another providing a sense of unity and form without the need of voice or percussion.

It's of no secret that the acoustic sections are the best recorded pieces on the album, were it not for the huge dynamic difference in tone and volume it would not draw as much attention as it does, I do not know if it was intended to be such or due to restrictions but it makes for an explicit shift between the interlaced sections. The guitars are clear albeit a bit faded into the background, the bass is powerful but difficult to distinguish between the guitars and kick drum, the voice is difficult to discern even with lyrics at certain sections, but the drums never waver or alter remaining the sonic anchor for the entire mix and fine within their own rite.

The song's are very well written but fall a bit short in the mixing department, though if you can look past the absence of polish you'll find a nightmarish reverie worthy of Azathoth himself. The greatest pieces of the album are the intricacies between each instrument and the powerful and woeful ambiance they craft together, for anyone with a penchant towards the darker passages of Melodic Death Metal this album is only a siren's call away.