The Eternal Returns - Autumn Introspection
The Eternal Returns is a neoclassical dark ambient post-rock band from Poland. Blending the realms of electronica, dark-ambient, neoclassical and post-rock; The Eternal Returns deliver masterfully on Autumn Introspection.
The album works best when the classical elements take lead, such as during the First Lesson. The dark ambient is the ultimate companion to the moody, dark timbre of the orchestra. Anytime the electronica is there simply to enhance the acoustics, such as during But All Shall Be Well, it works marvellously. On the contrary, when the IDM takes the lead, such as during Sense of Impending Doom and Above the Surface, it can fall flat. Thankfully, the album mostly gets it right. Ideas flow seamlessly from one to another as the album switches between its focus on the classical elements and the IDM components. The transitions are excellent, such as Below the Surface. Lastly, from start to finish, there are a tremendously admirable number of ideas present.
The best songs on the album are those that engage in a fulfilling sense of progression, such as four-track streak from Escape In Yourself onwards. One of these tracks, Almost Immediately, Reality Yielded, is one of the best songs on the album. It boats an impeccable use of ambient, divine acoustic guitars and wind instruments. It’s the type of Dungeon and Dragon’s synth wave Svart Solace wishes he could make. Ascension, another stunner, demonstrates The Eternal Returns is capable of leading with IDM in a meaningful way. The second half of the album easily makes up for the lesser first half. Part of what makes the first half so dab in comparison is most of the songs have one idea stretched out unnecessarily so, whereas the second half of the album contains far more thought.
There are few complaints with The Eternal Returns’ latest album, though they are very noticeable. Firstly, the drums are underwhelming in sections; sometimes they sound fully realised and exceptional, such as during Almost Immediately, Reality Yielded, though most of the time they sound midi and flat. Secondly, the classical components of Autumn Introspection are irrefutably stronger than the electronic elements; if The Eternal Returns can address the shortcomings, their next album will unquestionably soar. Lastly, the ideas in the first half are not as well realised as the second half; had the first half been stronger, the album would have easily slid towards the Awesome tier. Nonetheless, overall, the album is incredibly impressive, and well worth your time.
Really Good
Listen to it here:
https://eternal-returns.bandcamp.com/album/autumn-introspection
The Eternal Returns - Autumn Introspection
