MALEVOLENT CREATION'S 1995 pavement records debut "ETERNAL" boasts a triumphant return after undergoing personal turmoil. it also followed a depressing point in their career that not only saw the band lose the interest of crucial vocalist brett hoffman, but also the interest of ROADRUNNER RECORDS, who had just started setting their financial sights on trendier and more easily marketable music. but what obviously didnt kill them made them stronger, as "ETERNAL" became the band's most hateful release yet. the obvious stand out track is "alliance or war" which is so catchy and potent that it could attract a positive response from someone that is not into death metal. other great tracks are "they breed" and "blood brothers". "ETERNAL" also marks the recording debut of new drummer dave culross, who is better represented with a better drum sound on the band's "FINE ART OF MURDER" release 3 years later. overall, ETERNAL is a great and solid death metal record