Review: “Eternal War” by Fates Messenger

“Eternal War is a culmination of everything we are—hard-earned experience, raw anger, and a refusal to be passive in a world that’s spiralling into darkness. We didn’t form this band to coast on legacy. This is about what’s next.” – Fates Messenger 

Comprising no less than three former members of Romeo Must Die in bassist Paul Fletcher (Stampin’ Ground), drummer Will Romain (Eighthnerve, Outpatients) and guitarist Aaron “Ron D” Darling (Dishonour the Crown) who are joined by vocalist Tony Maddocks, Fates Messenger have been a growing concern since their inception in 2023. Their debut EP “They Walk Among Us” is half an hour of power that only appeared in September 2024 and now less than a year later they’re ready to go again. Mixed by Stu McKay (Desolated, Malevolence, Ingested) at Studio 6 and mastered by Scott Atkinson (Cradle Of Filth, Sylosis) at Grindstone, “Eternal War” is their second burnt offering…

Fates Messenger have found a sound that builds on the foundations of gold and bones of not only their debut record but also their previous lives in other bands. That sits between Metalcore and Groove orientated Death Metal which means that from the very first note of “Hellstorm” this record is a full on sonic assault on the senses. That can’t be understated with that first cut hitting like a concrete slab to the face with fiercely harsh vocals, abrasive guitars and pounding percussion leading the way. Title track “Eternal War” then finds the band joined by Tim Williams of Vision Of Disorder and Bloodsimple fame but that doesn’t mean they slow down for even a second. Blast beats out of the gate from Romain before a delicious bass drive and pick slide after the first verse takes things to a new realm, the clean sung parts from Williams simply fuelling the tornado of Maddocks. There is even time for a little programming as the band get expansive but in truth its the electrifying riffs from Ron D that will keep you coming back to this one. They’re just undeniably good. “Doomloop” follows the pattern as Fates Messenger descend into madness, their blood and thunder approach ensuring high grade incendiary material is the gift we’re given. Once more there is a mid track embellishment, this time ice cold keys rising to the surface for a short passage in an otherwise seriously punchy tune of pure catharsis.

A cover of a classic like “Master Killer” by Merauder always feels like something of a risky undertaking however this rendition, which is 10 seconds longer than the 1995 original from the album of the same name is utterly flawless. Fates Messenger have put their own stamp on the track, injecting their sense of urgency along with their satisfyingly crunchy guitar tone, the bass heavier in the mix to act almost as a second rhythm guitar. Jorge Rosado’s lyrics are screamed in blood curdling fashion by Maddocks as if they are his own and make no mistake, he feels every single word. Maintaining the intensity and flow “Bleed Again” hits is stride quickly, the band throwing down the gauntlet to anyone who would dare attempt to cross them. Keys add another dimension but aren’t strictly necessary before three false endings lead into a brutal grand finale. Saving their best to last “Bonechapel” welcomes Al Llewellyn of Dyscarnate to the party and he absolutely smashes his parts out of the park. Death growls, galloping drums and frantic groove orientated riffs serve as a call to the mosh pit where you know damn well it will be survival of the fittest. The only issue with this is that its only six tracks because it will leave you wanting so much more [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Hellstorm
2. Eternal War (ft. Tim Williams of Vision Of Disorder and Bloodsimple)
3. Doomloop
4. Master Killer (Merauder Cover)
5. Bleed Again
6. Bonechapel (ft. Al Llewellyn of Dyscarnate)

“Eternal War” by Fates Messenger is out 22nd August 2025