Review: “The Warrior Order” by Eternal Drak

“This EP bridges two distinct eras in the journey of Eternal Drak: the energetic creativity of the 1990s and the refined artistry of the present day. It represents a homage to the band’s origins, where young minds passionately crafted what is now revered as old-school metal. These early works have been revisited and revitalized, bringing their raw spirit into the modern soundscape with enhanced production quality that respects the authenticity of the era while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. Through meticulously re-recording the four original tracks, Eternal Drak breathes new life into their debut, preserving the integrity of black thrash metal while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. To complement this effort, the album includes a cover of one of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, serving as both a tribute and a testament to the enduring inspiration these legends have provided. This project encapsulates the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a sound that is timeless yet refreshingly current” ~ vocalist and guitarist Andres “Drakar” Martinez

A year after they gave us their fourth studio album “Imprisoned Souls“, Canadian Blackened Thrash trio Eternal Drak have chosen to take a different journey down the left hand path. Returning to their roots of the project with mastermind vocalist and guitarist Andres “Drakar” Martinez, drummer Patrick Auger and guitarist Michel Amyot, who both joined the group for the aforementioned album, get the opportunity to do something special. Bridging their past and their future by revisiting and reimagining their 2002 debut EP “La Resurreccion De La Orden Guerrera“, they thank those who have stood by them over the past quarter of a century.

An intriguing blend of Black and the Traditional Heavy Metal that birthed Thrash “Oda a la luna” has its roots in paganism as a tale of ritual, rebellion and evil. Buried keyboard add a cosmic touch to the whirlwind of percussive battery and rampaging guitar work, the air of Wednesday 13 minus the tongue in cheek humour a clear and present danger. Those creepy hammer horror vibes continue into “Contra Viento” with more Addams family inspired keys, a spoken word making way for Black ‘n Roll guitar work and harsh Spanish vocals. Exploring themes of rebellion against dark forces with sublime storytelling, an almost Folk Metal bridge gives the track a real pomp and circumstance, its unexpected nature a spice that’s nice. A few moments of lead and some tribal drums resurrect “Eternal Drak” from the grave, the Blackened Thrash affair a blood soaked tale as old as time. A malevolent entity from another realm uses its powers to seduce witches for a conjuring as the song plays out, slick riffs and old school energy combining to great effect.

 Continuing that narrative with more glorious leads, “La Nueva Orden” feels like something Sadistic Force would enjoy, the evil laughter giving another dimension to the dark and twisted tale. A tasteful acoustic interlude of flamenco style guitar work with howling winds adds a nice atmospheric touch before the band plunge the knife in once more. Blackened riffs rising from the depths of hell for a final flourish of old school that’s the sonic equivalent of a cosmic influenced slasher movie form the early 80s. Does the world need another Metallica cover? Probably not but “Leper Messiah” is a classic from arguably their finest record. Eternal Drak do it justice by using guitar layering so that Martinez can do the solos and while its not a note for note rendition its not a re-imagining either. A fine collection from the masters of ancient evil, this is a reminder of the needle and the damage done [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Oda a la luna
2. Contra Viento
3. Eternal Drak
4. La Nueva Orden
5. Leper Messiah (Metallica cover)

“The Warrior Order” by Eternal Drak is out 17th July 2025