ETERNITY'S END is a German Power/Progressive Metal band formed in 2014. "Embers Of War" is their third full-length album, released November 26, 2021, via Prosthetic Records. This record is standard power metal. The story, the adventure, the epic tale is central to the whole concept. The music is a tapestry woven around the tale. Killer guitar work, dramatic rhythms, majestic keyboards, and vocals made to move the listener through the journey are in abundant supply.

We begin with "Dreadnought (The Voyage of The Damned)." This is obviously a tale of war, more specifically, from World War I. The German and British navies are about to clash on the open seas. The vocals soar, hitting great heights while also having backing vocals shoring up the lyrics. The guitars are frenetic, and the rhythm is well beyond a gallop and into a full sprint. Hold on because this song will leave you behind if you slow to take a breath.

"Bane Of the Black Sword" heads for the mythological realm. Again, the guitars are lightning fast. The sheer volume of notes played by this duo is impressive. They could slay the dragon without a sword, just have this beat drive the beast off a cliff into oblivion. The song weaponizes itself by pushing what feels like thousands of notes per second through your ears. Power metal lovers will rejoice at this!

Moving down, we have "Call OF The Valkyries." This is another mythical tale of a battle that must be won. The hero cannot fail, for failure means the end of humanity. These are the "defenders of Gods and man." Is there anything more epic in metal than the battle for the souls of all mankind? This is an almost Speed Metal version of all things MANOWAR. This is the new, faster version of those tales. And that speed feels good.

Changing gears from mythology to science fiction, "Arcturus Prime" is the futuristic version of what has already been heard. Rather than the German and British navies or the legends of yore, this is the space bound battle. ETERNITY'S END show they are not relegated to the past. They can go forward or back in time depending on how they feel or what they want to say. No matter which direction they go, hold on to your seat because they are going to get you there fast.

The album wraps up with "Embers of War," the title track. This is the epic, nine-minute finale that every great power metal record needs. Mixing themes, this is the song about aliens invading in ancient times. This song has everything you need from German power metal. Solos by guitars and bass. Rapid fire drums that make you raise your horns and headbang. The riff is brutal, and the vocals are over the top. This is the perfect way to finish this disc.

ETERNITY'S END is a new breed of power metal that is a breath of fresh air. Their style, the way they play, how they write... it's all precisely what is needed at this point in time. Their tempo shifts, key changes, all of it is precise and well-timed. It is difficult to fathom this is only their third record. They sound like seasoned veterans, a band that has a long history of working together. This is epic power metal for the discerning listener.

After a number of playthroughs, this record continues to grow on me. The compositions are so complex, it is virtually impossible to catch everything in a single listen. After four days of listening to nothing else, I have developed a great appreciation for the skill level of the composer and the musicians. This is a stunning piece of work. In a year full of great albums, this one is up with the elite. Job well done!