INTO ETERNITY

"Dead Or Dreaming"
(Century Media)

Depending on the track in question, Saskatchewan's Into Eternity evoke the most intricate of progressive metal trends or the most ferocious death in the galaxy. Such esoteric attributes could produce, in lesser hands, a hodgepodge of sludge; Into Eternity, to the contrary, reveal the harmony of opposites. Delicate acoustic guitar work marks songs like 'Shallow', and 'Elysium Dream', as does a satisfying knit of clean and "death" vocals, reminiscent in spots of Vintersorg. At times, Into Eternity summon classic prog in the Yes and Asia vein, with a heavier undercurrent supplied by the band's equally obvious affinity with Iron Maiden and Iced Earth. 'Selling God' and 'Cyber Messiah' rage with unmitigated power against the bill of goods that is commercialized religion, with a mix of death, hardcore and darkwave that smacks of Summer Dying; 'Imagination Overdose' aims its sights at addiction in all forms, underscoring the message with ice-like stabs of guitar. Brilliant.

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