Eterna - The Gate (2001)
Eterna is back with new material since their hugely popular release Papyrus. This straight ahead power metal band was on the verge of stardom with their last release. The Gate should propel them to international recognition as well as crossing the line between secular and Christian metal scenes. Eterna, made up of Leandro Caçoilo on vocals, Paulo Frade on guitars, Jason Freitas on bass, Danilo Lopes on drums and vocals and Douglas Codonho on keyboards, has moved away from the straight power metal to the more theatrical power metal style that bands like Rhapsody currently occupy. The straight metal crunch is still in the music but there are lot of other additions on The Gate. Guitars on this release have a neo classical twinge to them in parts before breaking out into the full force power metal grind. The Gate is not as much of a guitar album as Papyrus was but it still cranks. The progression of music is interesting and the band keeps listeners attention with timing changes that are not orthodox. The solos have a lot of bite to them which is an improvement over Papyrus. The music is also not as choppy as Papyrus. The guitar playing flows better throughout the entire album and the listener gets a more comprehensive feel for the music. Keyboards play a major role in the music on this release. They provide the background atmosphere and help the music move from one movement to the next. It is obvious that Rhapsody is one of the bands main influences but the Eterna is not a clone of Rhapsody. There are a lot of similar parts, especially in the keyboards and vocals but the guitars and lack of chorus parts sets Eterna up as its own band. More chorus parts would be a welcome addition to the music. The singing is a little flat without them and the music is screaming for the emphatic chorus singing that mark many of the popular power metal acts. Cacoilo displays good range as he moves from high to mid back to high with ease. He doesnt have the emotion and energy that is trademark of a Rob Rock. This isnt to say the vocals are uninspired but with the quality of the music being what it is it seems a little bit of letdown to have vocals which do not match the music. The band has made a lot of improvement over an already interesting and good release in Papyrus and takes the next step musically. The vocals dont seem to have caught up to the music yet. Lyrically the band is very straightforward about Christ as the Living Word, Songs on the album include Open the Gate, Entrance, Fly Away, Forgive Me, Fight, The Winter, Living Word, The Gate, Shine, A Matter of Time, Amazing Shepherd and Sea of Lights. Fans in the Christian metal scene looking for a band to step up to the level of Rhapsody might have their wish with Eterna. While the band is improving with each release the intensity and power that Rhapsody demonstrates is not on The Gate. While some complain finishing second does not matter The Gate is still a great release. It has all the elements power metal fans will enjoy and with some time the band should be a favorite. This is worth the cash to get. http://www.sacramusic.com.br/eterna/ -- Review by Alex Mull