War of Ages - Eternal (2010)

Artist: War of Ages
Album: Eternal
Date Released: April 13, 2010
Genre: Metalcore

Album Review:

War of Ages have come a long way since their inception, and have worked hard to improve in songwriting while keeping their sound distinctly War-of-Ages. The intense guitar riffs, biting vocals, and blazing solos are evident on Eternal, their fourth full-length album. Though i'd say that the style is not an original one, the band itself has tried something new for them: clean vocals, which before I had only witnessed on Arise and Conquer, with Wages of Sin. Leroy does a great job singing on this album, something that could turn out interesting to see live (I had plans to see them on the 8th....stupid final exams..)

I mentioned their lack of originality. What I mean by this is that their field of music is so over-saturated that it is hard to carve a niche of fans out from it. But War of Ages has an open Christian message, evident in their songs, and brings emotion seldom seen in other bands. "here's my heart, and I am Yours, there is no greater gift than this". Amen, Amen. So don't lose heart! This album hit the Heatseekers chart, and I can see why. Just don't expect anything amazing or off the beaten path...

Rating: 7 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Collapse: Fading in is something that will shock most metalheads....clean singing...and indeed, the album starts out with the chorus: "re-living our mistakes, why are you so afraid?". A good intro track.

Desire: A short and explosive song with a strong guitar riff. I like how heavy this song sounds. A nice guitar solo, as always, near 1:10.

Failure: I love the words of this song. A tone that seems to hit you in the face is complimented with more clean vocals. I must say that this is either War of Ages' attempt to compete with acts like AILD, or their earnest desire. Either way, well done!

My Resting Place: Not sure about this song, it starts off with a slow riff and drum track, but the vocals seem to go better with something very angsty. Maybe it needs getting used to.

Eternal: Without a doubt the best song off the album. Why? Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. features in this song, and it definitely is the most motivating song ever. Think of championship warm-up music. Great song!

Indecision: I like how the vocals seem to be pit against each other with every other line, kind of like MyChildren MyBride does sometimes. Other than that, not much can be said about this song.

Lack of Clarity: A long intro, and divebomb, reveal....meh, an unoriginal song. Again, not much can be said here. The vocals near 1:30 don't quite redeem it. Sorry.

The Fallen: This song has a dark intro, and gets pretty heavy as it goes along. Good song to have near the end of the album, Eternal definitely has a good flow.

Your Betrayal: Not to be confused with the BFMV song off of Fever (which I previously reviewed!), this song is another dark-sounding song. "when you come crawling back, i'll be waiting, for now your words will fall on deaf ears"...

Instrumental: For lack of a better name, the title explains it all. A calm and soulful instrumental on an acoustic rounds the album out. It's odd to see an instrumental as a closing track, but it isn't unheard of. So there you have it.