What is this? Another demo tape, another old school band. And most important, another Swedish band. I have discovered Eternal Evil only recently but I already love it. I honestly do not know what’s going on in Sweden, but it seems there’s an ever-flowing stream of talented individuals who create the perfect type of aggressive music.
Eternal Evil comes from Stockholm and was founded last year by 3 enthusiastic teenagers who have decided to play some old school thrash/black metal. What probably began as a fun project quickly transformed into something serious and soon the band self released the Rise of Death demo tape which sold out very fast (only 35 copies were made). Come June 2020, the Swedish label Iron Fist Production (ran by Tomas Nyqvist of No Fashion Records) re-released the demo on a pro tape limited to 300 copies (it was still available last time I checked, so hurry up and buy it!!).
Lasting for 14 minutes, the 4 tracks (plus one Intro) are an homage to the early Teutonic thrash metal scene from the mid ’80s, when bands like Sodom, Deathrow and Kreator unleashed their fast and aggressive rhythms upon their unsuspecting audience.
35 years later, these Swedish kids have taken their roles (and instruments) seriously and gathered under the moniker Eternal Evil to deliver a 5 track tape full of pure speed and viciousness. The result is an insanely good demo which you can bet it comes straight from that golden age of thrash metal.
Unlike other bands playing this type of music, they have chosen not to sound like some Bathory clones, but adopt a rather different approach. And that can be seen (or heard) on Rise of Death, which takes you on a trip full of vicious riffs, raspy vocals and fast drumming (e.g. Stab of the Blade). Considering their age (15-17 yo), these kids know exactly what and how to play their metal: fast, furious and fucking addictive.
The vocals have the same hoarse tone of a young Mille from the Pleasure to Kill era (best noticed on the last track, Witches Spell) while the guitar, bass and drums provide the much needed aggressive support. Rise of Death is well played, brutal and enthusiastic, as the 3 musicians have created (another) one of the most enjoyable debut demos released recently.
When it comes to extreme metal (be it black, thrash or speed metal) Sweden never disappoints. Just when you thought you have heard/had enough of this or that genre, there’s always a band that proves you wrong. This was the case for me recently with Lifvsleda, Ond Vind, Anterbila and now Eternal Evil. I absolutely love it when it happens, it gives me hope that extreme metal will not die.
The very good news is Eternal Evil has started to work on their debut full length which is scheduled to be released later on (hopefully this year). Until then, as a teaser, a new track has been uploaded on You Tube, Minotaur of Evil, which shows a certain development in the band’s style. But of course, it is too early to tell how the album will sound. Till then, Fuck Off!!
Eternal Evil – Rise of Death track list:
1. Intro
2. Rise of Death
3. Stab of the Blade
4. Succubus
5. Witches Spell
Eternal Evil Line-Up:
Adrian “Bobar” Hernandez – vocals/guitars
Jacob “Ginger” Livåg – bass
Alphonse Bouquelon – drums
Band Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/Eternal-Evil
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