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Eternity's End first album with Ian Parry (vocals, Elegy) was absolutely killer, so would these dudes be able to top such a massive effort with significant changes in the lineup? Well, the answer comes quickly with a thunderous, grand beginning in "Into Timeless Realms", a heavy, powerful display of classic euro-centered Power Metal. Iuri Sanson's howling vocals match Hannes Grossmann and Christian Münzner's (former Obscura members) instrumental speed perfectly, as he screams throughout the verses and chorus easier than taking candy from a baby, all while Mike LePond's magical fingers pound the bass non-stop and Jimmy Pitts' wizardry in the melodic lines put the icing on this insanely beautiful start to an album.

"Cyclopean Force" showcases the neoclassical side of the sextet with virtuous songwriting and prolific execution. The track exhales an early Symphony X vibe without losing the pure essence of the genre. When things get more rythmic and heavier, like on "Blood Brothers (The Oath)", classics like Metalium's Millennium Metal–Chapter One (1999) come to mind, while when melodic and speedier lines are in place such as on "Under Crimson Moonlight", memories of Lost Horizon's A Flame to the Ground Beneath (2003) will pop in your head. This happens during the whole course of the album, from showcases of technique à la Cacophony and Yngwie Malmsteen to more brutal moments akin of Stormwarrior and even Obscura. Hell, there are even some Orden Ogan-esque parts on "Triumphant Ascent".

Every track here feels in their right place and sufficiently balanced between velocity and cadence, even the surprisingly good instrumental "Dreaming of Cimmerian Shadows". Less fruity, more direct approaches like "Necromantic Worship" are also present, giving the experience a more than welcomed heterogeneous nature, especially when talking about Power Metal, which can be overwhelmingly uninspired at times. There isn't a single filler here, rest assured.

To answer my question earlier in the review, Eternity's End managed not only to match the quality of The Fire Within (2016), but surpass it in every way possible. Ace execution, impressive songwriting and passionate playing are what make Unyielding a monster of an album, and worthy of every respect and praise. Had it came out earlier in the year, it would definitely have been on my top 5 Power Metal records of 2018, without a doubt; all in all, it's actually pretty simple: if you love Prog/Power Metal, you can't miss this album, period.