When people cite influences, they will usually name several bands that have a similar sound. Most bands bring together a small group of influences and blend a sound together. Exit to Eternity is unique since they bring such a wide variety of sounds together, most notably the marriage of Slayer and Dream Theater. Other influences like Iced Earth and Symphony X can be heard as well. This blend of sounds has gotten Exit to Eternity some attention most notably playing the Milwaukee Metalfest and being on the lineup for this year’s New Jersey Metalfest. Overall, the sound is quite interesting and Exit to Eternity has developed a faithful following in the Tri-State area.

The demo opens with “Mindless Pawns.” The intro leads into a Slayeresque main part. Carmine Cafaro’s vocals are eerily similar to that of a young Tom Araya. The two guitar attack is perfected with just the right amount of soloing. The breakdown gives drummer Dmitriy Shnaydman a place to shine. I dare say this drummer could someday be the next Mike Portnoy. You can tell he paid attention when he took drumming lessons. His drumming is incredible and carries this song and the band in general. All the beats are crisp, sharp, and well calculated. “Kristal Nacht,” the second track, starts out with has a very unique cymbal count off that provides a nice touch. The themes evoked are similar to Iced Earth’s “Something Wicked” trilogy. Again, the drumming shines on this track. The bass intro at the beginning allows Ryan Angerami to show his talent off as well. The band as a unit functions the best on the third track of this demo, “From the Depths.” The drumming again reigns supreme as Dmitriy again succeeds in keeping us guessing what unique patterns and fills he’ll throw at us next. The solo on this song is the best on this demo and is reminiscent of something that Kirk Hammett might have busted out in 1987. The demo closes with “No More,” a seven minute instrumental. Shades of Dream Theater, Symphony X and Slayer are really heard here especially in the way that the song is arranged with fast interludes bounded by progressive digressions. Again, the guys prove they are talented and again Dmitriy kills us with his monstrous drumming.

Exit to Eternity seems to have a bright future and this demo should turn some heads once it gets around. This demo is a great starting point. With a few more years under their belt, better production, and a little more variation on the main riffs, they will be a formidable challenger. If you want a copy of it, you can email the band from their website and they’ll send you one. MP3’s are also available for download at their website.