CoC : Eternal Oath - Through the Eyes of Hatred : Review

Eternal Oath - _Through the Eyes of Hatred_
(Pulverised Records, 1999)
by: Alvin Wee (6 out of 10)

Gothenburg used to be the site of a unique class of music, one which blended the aggression of death metal with artfully sculpted melodies. Radio airplay and glossy publications have since reduced the scene to a timid, trembling wreck. The trap that Eternal Oath have fallen into is a common one. In their search for melody and flowing beauty, many bands seem to have overlooked the effectiveness of short, incisive melodies coupled with sharp and memorable hooks. The result being sweetly melodic, yet emotionally void and drawn out -- Kenny G wouldn't be far from mind. Sentenced, anyone? Which is exactly what _TtEoH_ is all about. Lacking the raw passion and memorable hooks of _The Gallery_-era Dark Tranquillity or early Amon Amarth, events inevitably dull into a sleep-inducing brew of sweetness and pseudo-goth posing. As with most other bands in the genre, musicianship is irreproachable, but the stellar technique only accentuates the inadequacy of the material. While this is not a disc I would exactly fling out the window, it isn't what I'd put my hard-earned dough down for. Not while Depresy's still around, anyway.

(article published 5/3/2000)

ALBUMS
9/1/2002	V Eldefors	7.5	Eternal Oath - Righteous