As we all struggled through the recent epidemic, Thane-based metal group Eternal Returns mourned the passing of band member Pawan Sharma. They eventually recruited Ukrainian drummer Viktor Lytvynov to record Hunchback Hatred, inflicted by the ongoing Russian invasion.
Now with a new drummer onboard, the Indian duo of vocalist Narendra Patel and guitarist / bassist Harsh Makwana plunged into the depths of death metal. Opening track “The Wolf Among the Sheep” enters the thunder-dome with grandiose, symphonic flair before letting The Black Dahlia Murder and Cannibal Corpse out of the cage. While there are proggy moments, the following piece “Ravenous Shores: Whispers of the Quarantine Island” prods deeper at the prog, melodic lump on the hunchback. The grooves and guitar virtuosity provoke memories of Lamb of God and Allegaeon.
While also writing the lyrics, Narendra proves himself to be quite a lore fanatic. On the aforementioned “Ravenous Shores…,” the lyrics tell of a 14th century Italian island named Poveglia that served as a quarantine site for Bubonic Plague infected, eventually transitioning to an abusive metal hospital. Additionally, “Siege Sombre” poetically explores morality while “Zrark: The Abyss Eater” bards of a catastrophic feathered serpent.
With praise deservedly given to the vocalist, I must also provide some constructive criticism. Considering the merit-worthy lyricism, the vocal deliveries would truly benefit from more pronunciation. Nonetheless, the outro spoken dialogue on “Ravenous Shores…” was so unsettlingly thrilling; I hope they utilize that dynamic more. The same can be said for the cleans and range on “Broadcast 666.”
For some bands, there are no stylistic parameters. For some bands, there is no ceiling to heaviness. Eternal Returns pushes the threshold with sounds of melodic death, metalcore, thrash, and groove bound together. With the blood of Decapitated, In Flames, and even Shadows Fall pumping through the veins of Hunchback Hatred, there is much promise and potential radiating off this debut full-length.