Reviewed by Ian Webber

This five-piece metalcore outfit from Sydney, Australia attracted much attention with their label debut 'Metanoia' in 2015. It set out a pattern for thought-provoking, intense and challenging metal. With this follow up it is exciting to see a band comfortable in their own skin, confident enough to explore challenging issues in an open and vulnerable fashion. In many ways, the 11 tracks on this release are cultured and at times reserved, not your standard breakneck metalcore onslaught. The guitars sit comfortably over a full and dynamic sound, never seeming to feel the need to shout about their presence. The listen is, however, still intense, mixing clean and aggressive vocals with intricate and aggressive musicianship. Quieter reflective moments intersperse passages of brutal riffing, setting up a platform for some honest and searching lyrics. "Shadow" introduces one of the themes of the album with a search for salvation and a struggle of faith. Melancholic keys provide a backdrop for angst ridden phrases. "Fallout" is standard metalcore fare that delivers huge choruses and crushing sections of measured noise. Technical musical skills are on constant display as these layered recordings ebb and flow. "September" demonstrates a range of musical influences and is probably the most accessible track on the recording. Crisp screams crackle with intense passion and set up a high point of aggression on what is a recording that reveals more detail with every listen. A common criticism with music at the heavier end of the musical spectrum is a lack of variety, but with elements of light and shade, For All Eternity have put together an album that distinguishes them from the crowd.

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