Rob Gulliver - Vocals,
Jeff Kerr - Guitar/Vocals,
Jeff Hostetler- Guitar/Vocals,
Matt Meppelink - Bass,
Patrick Welch - Drums,
Influences
Darkane, Soilwork, At the Gates, Arch Enemy, Dream Theater, Racer X, Cacaphony, Meshuggah, Steve Vai, Origin, Cryptopsy, Dimmu Borgir
Sounds Like
Take the rhythms of early Arch Enemy, the drumming of Origin/Cryptopsy, the syncopation of Meshuggah, the melodies of Helloween, and the solos of Racer X and you get the idea...
Fast, aggressive and technical are words that could describe the music of Aeternal, but after one listen it is hard not to be taken back by the harmonies and melodies that filter through the barrage of riffs. It is the abundance of these melodies and motifs that sets Aeternal apart from the rest of their death metal brethren. With a style and sound that combines elements of European death metal acts, Arch Enemy, Darkane, and Meshuggah, with progressive elements and guitar play of 80/90s shred/progressive acts Cacophony and Dream Theater, the band has a sound that is unique enough to stand out as something new.
The bands core goes back to late 2000, when guitarist/songwriter Jeff Kerr met singer/lyrist Rob Gulliver at an audition for the pairs previous band. Robs extreme style left its mark on Jeff and he vied to have him in the band. It was a collaboration that would last. Robs vocalizations, acting more as another instrument; adds the perfect anchor and counter balance to the often complex and ever changing rhythms and moods of Jeffs songs. Four years and numerous musicians later, drummer extraordinaire Patrick Welch joined up with the duo cementing what was to become Aeternal. Patrick's amazing technique was something that long alluded Rob and Jeff, to the point of the pair using drum machines to fill in the impossible drum parts that the music required. The band went through a few line up changes and finally settled into a cohessive unit with the addition of guitarist Jeff Hostetler and bassist Matt Meppelink. Having played with Patrick in a previous band, Jeff's style was ready made for the band. His excellent timing and shredding abilities have allowed the band to expand into some crazy harmonies and duals that bring to mind 80's greats Iron Madien, Judas Priest, and shredsters Racer X. Matt brings to the band a hard driving bass sound, as well as the ability to lay down creative counter point, which further expands the bands sound.
Through its few years of touring the band has played many shows all over Michigan building up a strong following, while opening up for such bands as Vader, Byzantine, Goatwhore, Origin, and Halo of Locusts, along with scores of regional acts. The band lives for the stage and their live shows have left many people staring in disbelief, wondering, "how did they do that?".
With a sound and style that combines the best of the aggressive and speed elements of death metal, with the attention to melody and finesse that only comes from years of practice and schooling, Aeternal has a combination that should propel them to the forefront of the burgeoning melodic death metal scene.
seeing as how youre the only other band in the area that seems to know about the scandinavian side of things, i think youll dig the new song posted. its got that darkane flair that "maeke's eet a so naiceee!"
OGREFEST II at Mac's Bar 2700 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912
Doors at 1PM
For $10 you get about 11 possible hours of music, including these bands:
Maggot Twat (Chicago, IL) Satyrasis A Gruesome Find (Toledo, OH) Cursed Eternity (Final Show) Through the Mist Intrusion Vigil Battlecross Locusta (Columbus, OH) Shadowveil Sworn Secrecy Cavalcade Thunder Dragon The Yellow Sign Fist Full of Blood
This is one of the best bills we have ever played on. We play at about 7PM, but make sure you come early as the Extreme Metal Onslaught starts at about 2PM.
Hey guys I was all set to go Friday night but once I made it home, I was overwhelmed w/ how much shit I needed to do and I was a bit under the weather. So, next time for sure!!! I heard you were all awesome! Aziza FEMALE FRONTED EGYPTIAN THEMED PROG METAL W/ LIVE BELLY DANCING! As heard on Comedy Central, the 3 time award winning film Broken, and a top seller!
Hell Yes I will be there tonight!! I am bringing lots of swag with me too so be sure to grab some stickers for your gear cases. Break A Leg!!! Besos, Vanessa
