ENIAC REQUIEM

"Space Eternal Void" is the debut full-length studio album by US progressive metal act Eniac Requium. The album was released through Shrapnel Records in June 1998. Eniac Requiem was formed by members and former members of Crimeny and Haji's Kitchen and only existed long enough to release "Space Eternal Void" and then disbanded. Drummer Rob Stankiewicz later played drums on "Angular Perceptions" (2007) by Thought Chamber.

Stylistically the material on "Space Eternal Void" is what I´d characterize as archetypal progressive metal from the late 90s. A lead vocalist he can sing the high notes with ease, a technically well playing rhythm section, a brilliant guitarist (nice shredding solos, great clean guitar parts, and an overall good understanding of melody), and a ditto keyboard player (who often just provides atmosphere with chords, but also plays melodic note runs). If I have to reach in a find something where Eniac Requiem stand out a little, it would be that they are generally slightly darker and at times also a little more heavy than other contemporary progressive metal acts, but on the other hand artists like Dream Theater and Symphony X also play some pretty heavy riffs and rhythms, so it´s not like Eniac Requiem invented that or do something vastly different in that area either.

So the music style isn´t exactly the most original sounding, and while that´s always a minor issue, it´s not a huge issue on "Space Eternal Void" because the album is arguably loaded with great musical performances and effective songwriting and fans of classic progressive metal should be able to find a lot to enjoy here. Add to that a very well sounding and powerful production job, and "Space Eternal Void" is definitely worth both your money and time. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

Here we are in front of the umpteenth lost gem: if it's metal or progressive doesn't matter, this is great music, played by a group of great musicians, who, incredibly, were able to make only one album! And yet another demonstration of how music business is rotten, and how low is the level of musical culture worldwide, especially of many of the new generation! I think that any person who really love music, and from music is able to draw any strong feelings, should appreciate the power, emotion, instrumental technique, inventiveness and symphonic imprint of this album. All songs are wonderful, particularly to mention the great melody of "Endless Cosmos", the lyricism of "Shadows Fall", the horror climate of "The Slow Prisoners" and the symphony of "Darkness Planet Earth". A forgotten masterpiece.

I can't believe i've never heard of this band until recently. Actually it was b olariu's review that drew my attention to them. I'm such a big fan of American Metal, I didn't think there would be an album as amazing as this get by me. They just released one record (1998), recorded and mixed in Texas. This is melodic, yet at the same time it has plenty of complexity and heaviness. The synths are really a highlight on this record, while the vocals simply shine throughout.

"Prelude" opens with synths and a spacey atmosphere. Thunderous drums change that after a minute. Guitar comes in ripping it up. Spacey to end it. "Amulet Of The Sun" features some fantastic riffs and background synths. Great sound ! Vocals after a minute. Guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in. The synths add so much to this music. It ends as it began. "Wyrm" has a complex intro followed by a driving rhythm. Synths wash in then vocals. Check out the guitar 3 minutes in ! "Endless Cosmos" is the closest they come to a ballad. This is gorgeous and emotional music. They contrast the ballad-like sections with the fuller passages very well. Tasteful guitar solo 4 minutes in. The vocals are perfect in this tune. "Shadows Fall" builds to a nice heavy sound. Check out the organ. I like the drum/synth melody after 2 1/2 minutes. "Lost In The Void" has such a cool atmosphere to it. The vocals are dreamy. Heaviness comes in at 1 1/2 minutes and the contrast continues.

"Sad Clown In Europe" features some blistering, complex guitar with a good beat. "The Slow Prisoners" has these psychedelic vocals that get blown away before 1 1/2 minutes by a heavy onslaught. This sounds amazing ! Not a big fan of the deeper vocal style that follows though. It's different. Nice guitar after 3 minutes. "Nemesis" opens with pounding drums as synths come in. Vocals a minute in. Ripping guitar after 3 minutes. "Darkness Planet Earth" has a nice heavy sound and is quite dark. More great guitar before 3 minutes. Good song. "Guenhwyvar" is one of my favs. Check out the bass and guitar on this one ! Incredible sounding instrumental ! "Empire Of Dolls" is heavy with synths to open. The tempo picks up quickly. Vocals are at their best on this track. Like some of the other songs this makes me feel so good. "Finale" is just over a minute of guitar and synths.

This is a band that Metal fans need to discover. It's not a 5 star record but it's easily 4 stars.

I'm shocked that this band doesn't have any reviews yet, only one vote, Space eternal void is one of the best prog metal albums i ever heared, since i'm listning to prog music . The band is from USA and release only one album in 1998 named Space eternal void. But what an album, kick ass al the way, prog metal of the highest calibre. Some hints are on some pieces from Dream Theater or Shadow Gallery but as the whole is quite an original piece of work. The main man of the band is the talented guitar player Derek Taylor who is reminescent of Yngwie Malmsteen as manner of interpretation. Also he is the producer of the album and wrote all the music of this album. Well this guy realy knows to use the instrument delivering some great guitar riffs and solos combined with a lot of emotion results an awesome album. All the musians have great skills , but the one i like most from here is Brett Stine from keyboards, i quite never heared very often such skills on a keyboard player, what he does here on Space eternal void is beyond easy listning. From fast keys solos to barrock smooth aragements this guy kick ass on his instrument, awesome musician. Now the album asa a whole is above many prog metal albums that is praised every day on the archives, reaching on a level hard to beat even by well known bands. Forte tracks - all are super with a plus on Amulet of the Sun, Sad clowns in Europe and Nemesis. So, a big album that needs much more attention than is seen today, it'a shame that this band never released a second album, a promising debut who turned to be their swansong. Highly recommended. 4 stars without hesitation