Description
Six years after their second full-length, Ravening Iron, ETERNAL CHAMPION return with the 31-minute Friend of War EP. Inspired by Karl Edward Wagner’s novel Dark Crusade, the EP features Jason Tarpey (vocals), Arthur Rizk (guitars, synths, bass), John Powers (guitars, synths), and Connor Donegan (drums). Cover artwork is an oil painting by Burney. Available on silver vinyl (limited to 300 copies) and black vinyl (quantity undisclosed).
The landscape of epic heavy metal rarely encounters a force as formidable as ETERNAL CHAMPION. With their highly anticipated EP, Friend Of War, the revered Texas outfit takes a daring plunge into highly atmospheric and narrative driven territory. Clocking in at over thirty minutes and consisting of just two sprawling compositions, this release ventures far beyond the standard battle anthems listeners might initially anticipate. Instead of delivering a conventional compilation of standalone tracks, the band presents a meticulously crafted auditory journey that beautifully balances traditional heavy metal with expansive electronic soundscapes, proving their absolute dedication to holistic storytelling.
The first half of the experience belongs entirely to the staggering title track. “Friend Of War” stands as a twelve minute compositional triumph that showcases the sheer atmospheric capabilities of ETERNAL CHAMPION. The song methodically builds tension through haunting ambient intros and delicate acoustic passages before erupting into the muscular riffing the group is rightfully celebrated for. The vocal performance soars with a commanding presence, perfectly guiding the narrative of a solitary warrior marching toward inevitable conflict. The seamless transitions between thunderous metal segments and contemplative interludes demonstrate a profound level of maturity. Rather than relying on relentless aggression, the musicians expertly utilize pacing and dynamic shifts to evoke vivid cinematic imagery of ancient battlefields and mystical realms.
Following the epic conclusion of the first act, the record shifts gears entirely with the astonishing eighteen minute instrumental piece, “Yslsl”. Here, ETERNAL CHAMPION leans heavily into their dungeon synth influences to craft a mesmerizing electronic voyage. Lush synthesizers, delicate harp textures, and rhythmic organ sequences intertwine to create a deeply immersive experience that serves as an extended meditative aftermath to the violence of the opening track. The sprawling electronic arrangements allow the audience to mentally wander through the untamed world the musicians have so vividly constructed. The careful layering and deliberate pacing ensure that this extensive instrumental remains captivating from start to finish, reflecting a cosmic and metaphysical weight that anchors the entire EP. Friend Of War is a remarkably bold artistic statement that highlights boundless creativity, rewarding patient listeners and deepening the immersive lore of a truly phenomenal musical universe.
