Much like their 2004 outing "Buried In Oblivion", Into Eternity's latest effort "The Scattering Of Ashes" will likely be a sleeper hit that will readily appeal to metalheads from many different walks of life. While the band have faced some line-up changes since the last time their last opus (the most prevalent of which sees newcomer Stu Block take over the lead vocalist role), you'd be hard pressed to tell that such a change occurred.

In other words, the new additions to the bands line-up are surprisingly perfect (and familiar sounding) fits. Continuing on with their encompassing approach, Into Eternity's technicality and metallic diversity reign supreme on "The Scattering Of Ashes". Staggering guitar wizardry, a three-pronged vocal approach that sees the screeching highs, the guttural lows and the raging screams in-between, plus a cultured mixture of metal both modern and traditional all tear shit up.

Perhaps the main difference this time out though is the bands more focused songwriting, which now leans further towards melody. Wherein before they would generally have somewhat of a melting pot feel as their album would progress, "The Scattering Of Ashes" is a touch more mature and offers less surprises. Even so, Into Eternity still remain a fierce band whose blend of thrash, black and brit metal rarely fail to impress.

It's just a shame they didn't further expand on the eccentricity they were able to capture on their last album as the calmer nature here, while far more technical and developed, isn't nearly as explosive as past material. That said, it's not a stretch to say that Into Eternity could very well be considered a real metalheads Dragonforce - over the top technical ability with a traditional slant, sans all the goofy bullshit.