{"product_id":"mindless-sinner-turn-on-the-power-lp-copy","title":"Eternal Champion - Friends of War 12' EP","description":"\u003cp\u003eSix years after their second full-length, \u003cem\u003eRavening Iron\u003c\/em\u003e, ETERNAL CHAMPION return with the 31-minute \u003cem\u003eFriend of War\u003c\/em\u003e EP. Inspired by Karl Edward Wagner’s novel \u003cem\u003eDark Crusade\u003c\/em\u003e, the EP features Jason Tarpey (vocals), Arthur Rizk (guitars, synths, bass), John Powers (guitars, synths), and Connor Donegan (drums). Cover artwork is an oil painting by Burney. Available on silver vinyl (limited to 300 copies) and black vinyl (quantity undisclosed).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe landscape of epic heavy metal rarely encounters a force as formidable as ETERNAL CHAMPION. With their highly anticipated EP, \u003cem\u003eFriend Of War\u003c\/em\u003e, the revered Texas outfit takes a daring plunge into highly atmospheric and narrative driven territory. Clocking in at over thirty minutes and consisting of just two sprawling compositions, this release ventures far beyond the standard battle anthems listeners might initially anticipate. Instead of delivering a conventional compilation of standalone tracks, the band presents a meticulously crafted auditory journey that beautifully balances traditional heavy metal with expansive electronic soundscapes, proving their absolute dedication to holistic storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first half of the experience belongs entirely to the staggering title track. “Friend Of War” stands as a twelve minute compositional triumph that showcases the sheer atmospheric capabilities of ETERNAL CHAMPION. The song methodically builds tension through haunting ambient intros and delicate acoustic passages before erupting into the muscular riffing the group is rightfully celebrated for. The vocal performance soars with a commanding presence, perfectly guiding the narrative of a solitary warrior marching toward inevitable conflict. The seamless transitions between thunderous metal segments and contemplative interludes demonstrate a profound level of maturity. Rather than relying on relentless aggression, the musicians expertly utilize pacing and dynamic shifts to evoke vivid cinematic imagery of ancient battlefields and mystical realms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the epic conclusion of the first act, the record shifts gears entirely with the astonishing eighteen minute instrumental piece, “Yslsl”. Here, ETERNAL CHAMPION leans heavily into their dungeon synth influences to craft a mesmerizing electronic voyage. Lush synthesizers, delicate harp textures, and rhythmic organ sequences intertwine to create a deeply immersive experience that serves as an extended meditative aftermath to the violence of the opening track. The sprawling electronic arrangements allow the audience to mentally wander through the untamed world the musicians have so vividly constructed. The careful layering and deliberate pacing ensure that this extensive instrumental remains captivating from start to finish, reflecting a cosmic and metaphysical weight that anchors the entire EP. \u003cem\u003eFriend Of War\u003c\/em\u003e is a remarkably bold artistic statement that highlights boundless creativity, rewarding patient listeners and deepening the immersive lore of a truly phenomenal musical universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/eternalchampion.bandcamp.com\/album\/friend-of-war\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehttps:\/\/eternalchampion.bandcamp.com\/album\/friend-of-war\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Remorse Records","offers":[{"title":"Black Vinyl","offer_id":57559895376247,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver Vinyl","offer_id":57559895409015,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0337\/6689\/9845\/files\/a379821271_1x1_700.avif?v=1792061230","url":"https:\/\/www.cryptofthewizard.com\/products\/mindless-sinner-turn-on-the-power-lp-copy","provider":"Crypt of the Wizard","version":"1.0","type":"link"}