It’ common to see Metalcore as an evolution of Death Metal, when in reality is a fusion between many Metal (and Rock) tendencies from the 90s under a modern tack (due the instrumental tunes normally used). It’s not a sin to say that SYSTEM OF A DAWN, SLIPKNOT, LIKIN’ PARK, Swedish Death Metal acts, MINISTRY and aspects of Industrial Rock and Alternative Rock were all thrown in the cauldron (of course having in mind that every band does things as they want), fused, and here is the most hated of all Metal genres. But beware when dealing with “Eternal”, TUNDRA’s second full-length.

It's not a sin to say that the North American quartet from Kansas unleashes a different form of Metalcore: one can feel influences hailing from New Metal, Deathcore and other tendencies, with low grunts contrasting with clean vocals and screams (as heard on “Revelation”), massive breakdowns, very good technical level, always unleashing a massive and greasy energy. It’s obvious that puritans and Old School Metal fans will have problems to deal with it, but fans of modern tendencies will love the band’s music. The sonority of “Eternal” is something that has all the modern greasy instrumental tunes, but with a harsh ambience that’s usual for some Technical/Progressive Death Metal acts. It’s distorted, modern and bombastic, able to make walls tremble without great efforts.

The songs are (as said before) a mix between different influences of modern Metal tendencies into a Metalcore tack, so be prepared to have your bones stomped flat as “Alone” (a tender and lysergic moment with some Prog-like touches, pianos and clean vocals), “Welcome to Hell” (fine breakdowns and greasy guitar riffs boost its aggressiveness), “The Pit”, “The Witch” (the contrasts between breakdowns and Industrial touches is amazing, demanding a lot of bass guitar and drums), “Smoke and Mirrors” (the contrasts between clean vocals and greasy instrumental parts are great), “Hostage”, “911”, “Undead”, “Insane” (an aggressive and brutal song filled with groove, energy and some effects), “Revelation” and “You Are” (another tender moment that close the album) are songs that all those that are into modern Metal tendencies must pay attention.

Yes, “Eternal” is a very good release, and maybe TUNDRA can become a strong name in the Metalcore’s scene.