THE ETERNAL: MARK KELSON On Change, Distance And Obscured Horizons

THE ETERNAL: MARK KELSON On Change, Distance And Obscured Horizons

Author: HEAVY Magazine September 14, 2026 Duration: 22:22
Interview by Ali Williams
There are easier ways to run a band than placing half of it in Melbourne and the other half in Finland. THE ETERNAL have apparently decided ease is overrated. 
For guitarist/vocalist Mark Kelson, geography has become one of the least complicated parts of the equation. More than two decades into THE ETERNAL, he is preparing to release the band's eighth studio album, Obscured Horizons, while returning to Australian stages alongside AMORPHIS. The record was built between Melbourne and Helsinki by a lineup Kelson describes as the band's most stable, collaborative and creative yet. 
THE ETERNAL now operate as a genuinely Australian-Finnish band, with Kelson and Richie Poate (guitar) in Australia alongside Niclas Etelävuori and Jan Rechberger in Finland. Their sound still sits firmly in dark melodic metal with progressive elements, although Kelson is not particularly interested in spending too much time arguing over genre labels.
Full write up and interview heavymag.com.au


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