What makes The Eternal Return by Darkest Hour notable?

This album debuted at number 134 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing the band's growing commercial appeal. It received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its musicianship and production quality, further establishing Darkest Hour as key players in the melodic death metal genre during the late 2000s. The Eternal Return marks Darkest Hour's sixth studio album, released after their 2007 effort, Deliver Us. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the metalcore scene while navigating a shift towards more melodic elements in their sound. The album reflects both their established style and a willingness to experiment with new textures and lyrical themes.

Who is The Eternal Return for?

The Eternal Return works well if you're into intense, high-energy sessions, short, impactful listening bursts and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on The Eternal Return?

The Eternal Return has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

The Eternal Return

Darkest Hour · 2009

34 min · 10 tracks · metalcore

A relentless fusion of melodic death metal and metalcore, layered with intricate guitar work and aggressive lyrical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Death Worship — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of aggression and melody, featuring intense riffs paired with thought-provoking lyrics about nihilism.
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No God — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, this song critiques blind faith and explores existential themes, making it a standout for its lyrical depth.
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Into the Grey — The closing track combines haunting melodies with introspective lyrics, offering a reflective end to the album that contrasts with its heavier moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicianship and thematic depth, though it remains within the established metalcore framework.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that features rapid guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a high-energy tone immediately.
Each song typically includes multiple tempo changes, alternating between melodic sections and intense breakdowns.
Lyrically, the themes often explore existential and societal issues, with vocal delivery that ranges from harsh screams to melodic singing.
The final track concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intense, high-energy sessions
short, impactful listening bursts
dynamic emotional journeys
relentless rhythmic engagement

Where this album fits

Career context: The Eternal Return marks Darkest Hour's sixth studio album, released after their 2007 effort, Deliver Us. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the metalcore scene while navigating a shift towards more melodic elements in their sound. The album reflects both their established style and a willingness to experiment with new textures and lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Killswitch Engage· As I Lay Dying· The Black Dahlia Murder