Eternal Path encompasses everything you would expect from an instrumental album, weaving through sonic worlds, filtered through a moody progressive metal lens – heavy without chaos, technical without sterility – which creates a modern metal balance that is both engaging and immersive for the listener.
A tight, enveloping release from this Tauranga-based 3-piece instruMETAL group, showcasing impressive chemistry and cohesion between each member.
The opening track, Space and Time sets the tone from the outset, leading with a beautiful piano intro that seamlessly blends into ascending guitar phrases (Guitarist – Daniel Beeler) and clean, controlled drums, all without being too overbearing. The song comes in heavier mid-track; to which I exclaimed ‘Send it boys!’, and they did – in a climactic peak.
It plays like the end credit score in a shadow-drenched vampire action thriller.
Another favourite off the album, Forsaken Silence, immediately had me headbanging along to the drums (Ashlee Rolston) with clean snare hits and well-placed fills that enhance the song’s momentum instead of disrupting it, adding both texture and subtle rhythmic complexity.
Circle of Light gave me Killswitch Engage Arms of Sorrow vibes… that being a major compliment, them being one of my favourite bands.
There’s a structure to this album, with every note being intentional, not just ornamental fillers, cycling between weighty riffs, soaring melodic leads and textured transitions, lifting tracks into cinematic territory.
There’s no over-the-top shredding but more a focus on memorable guitar hooks and drums that carry their weight, giving the music tonal sustain and dynamic.
The bass guitar (Isaac Martin) plays a crucial role, reinforcing the low-end impact and adding thickness to the guitar, ensuring the overall mix remains grounded and resonant.
Production is crisp throughout, allowing each instrument space to build and hold its own – carrying the mood and hitting with precision throughout, each track taking the listener on a journey – evocative, emotive and seamlessly powerful.
Overall, Eternal Path’s instrumentation thrives on cohesion, both on the album and live (they deliver the same intensity and clarity on stage as in the studio). Every element works towards a unified sound – heavy, melodic and emotionally charged, proving that intensity doesn’t require chaos, but control. All in all, a great release by the guys and I look forward to seeing what more they come up with in the future.
Check the album out on Spotify and follow the guys on Facebook/Instagram and if you can get to a gig – absolutely do!
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About the author Evana Patterson
What’s up Muzic.nz fans, Cheers for checking out my article! Music has shaped my life and fueled my passions, my drive, my heart and my soul. Powerful vocals, electrifying guitar riffs and pounding drums have lived in me since I was a small child; many memories and moments encapsulated in song lyrics and the accompanying music notes that constantly lived deep within my body. I failed miserably at learning how to play the guitar and drums, I fancied myself as a singer until stage fright proved me otherwise, so I surrounded myself in music in any way I could, working at a CD store, moonlighting as a radio host/DJ on a local radio station, Working as a Roadie for Rock FM, Working as a Host for ‘Rockzilla’ Music Show on Alt TV, Touring with bands as a Promo and Events Manager and rubbing shoulders with industry elite… But the talent
