Echoes of Eternity

We’ve come a long way since female-fronted metal was a rarity but thankfully, Echoes of Eternity aren’t just a redundant clone. Though not stunningly original either, the band’s chunky thrash take on progressive metal and ethereally-layered female vocals feels fresh and familiar all at once. The partially French title track (vocalist Francine Boucher is an ex-patriot Quebecois) is particularly magnetic but shines through as the strongest articulation of a consistent whole, not as the odd successful track out. The Forgotten Goddess is slightly raw and a little old school (primarily production-wise), and not everyone is going to appreciate having ABBA invade their metal songs. But, just the same, the whole package is pretty easy on the ears.