(Progressive Power/Speed) Eterna - Papyrus (1999) - 2001, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

An impressive debut album and a surprising newcomer act from Brazil.

Eterna display a very professional style with an original approach, mixing influences from power-speed metal ( like Stratovarius, Helloween ) , prog-metal ( like Dream Theater ) and classic symphonic metal ( like Symphony X ). The debut album 'Papyrus' offers extremely well-played songs with an intense and technical vibe, a great vocal performance done by 2 singers (!!), deep feeling atmospheres and a very nice sound production.

The first thing that appears clear with Eterna is the valuable maturity that the band is able to offer even if 'Papyrus' is a debut album. All the songs highlight a defined style with different influences and various moods that give 'Papyrus' a strong identity taking life both from the seventies-heavy roots and the modern power-speed metal approach with a progressive touch.

The fact that the vocal lines are done by 2 different singers gives the whole musical concept a wider range of feelings, a strong, dynamic impact and offers to the band a more progressive and charismatic shade, pushing even further Eterna's metal borders.

So what we got here is a power-speed metal band with a progressive approach and symphonic hints, original sound (from they debut album) with 2 different singers, great musicianship, technical performance and a very professional, powerful sound production. The band seems to have influences both from the old heavy masters ( like Rainbow & Black Sabbath ) and the new metal heroes ( like Stratovarius , Dream Theater and Symphony X ). We have to mention the attractive cover and the booklet artwork. Highlight of the album is surely the track 'The war is over', a mid tempo track with glorious vocals and guitarist + keyboard riffs.

Alexandre Emanuel Claudio - lead and backing vocals, bass
Paulo Frade - guitars
Douglas Codonho - keyboards
Danilo Lopes - lead and backing vocals, drums