Eternal Recurrence unleash new EP and share music video for ‘Precious Stones’

ETERNAL RECURRENCE presents the debut self titled EP, Eternal Recurrence. Led by composer and multi-instrumentalist C. Alex Luke, ETERNAL RECURRENCE embraces the symphonic metal genre from an alternative perspective with orchestral arrangements drawn from chamber music. The new EP release arrives alongside a music video for the track “Precious Stones”. 

The creative process behind “Precious Stones” differs from the rest of the track list on Eternal Recurrence as it was the first song written for the EP dating back to the COVID pandemic. Initially composed as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, “Precious Stones” was subsequently reworked to incorporate the chamber music arrangement and adhere to the new creative direction for ETERNAL RECURRENCE. 

“Precious Stones” features two guest vocalists. Mordian of DIAMORTE and SHIELD OF WINGS delivers a powerful alto performance during the chorus and bridge, while James Dorton of BLACK CROWN INITIATE, DIAMORTE and NE OBLIVISCARIS contributes harsh vocals to the heavier sections of the song.

Furthermore, “Precious Stones” is the only song on the EP not written by C. Alex Luke. The lyrics were written by Jake Thiele, Luke’s former bandmate from UNTIL EXTINCTION. On the lyrical theme Thiele shares, “In short, ‘Precious Stones’ is about the futility and stupidity of the things that divide us and how we let them suck the enjoyment out of life.”

All material on Eternal Recurrence was composed around a chamber ensemble led by German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano. These elements are combined with aggressive guitars, lead work, and drumming rooted firmly in modern metal. The EP cover artwork and layout is by Timur Khabirov at All4band Design, and the project’s logo was designed by Pavel Kurbanov at All4band Design.

Eternal Recurrence Track List:

1. Precious Stones
2. 8 by 8 
3. Amor Fati 
4. Relativity 
5. Eternal Recurrence 

ETERNAL RECURRENCE is a symphonic metal project based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2025 by multi-instrumentalist and composer C. Alex Luke. Known for blending progressive and extreme metal with classical instrumentation, the project takes a chamber music approach to symphonic metal, prioritizing the nuance and expressiveness of real musicians over large-scale orchestral simulation.

Drawing influence from bands such as KAMELOT, EPICA, OPETH, DREAM THEATER, and REVOCATION, ETERNAL RECURRENCE balances intricate compositions with aggressive modern metal. While traditional symphonic metal often relies on massive orchestras or dense sampled arrangements, ETERNAL RECURRENCE was created around the belief that the human touch of live performance remains essential, especially in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Rather than emulating 19th and 20th century symphonic traditions, the project looks to chamber music for inspiration. Chamber ensembles are designed for smaller spaces and intimate performances, emphasizing clarity, interaction, and detail. This philosophy defines the sound of ETERNAL RECURRENCE.

All material on the debut release, Eternal Recurrence, was composed specifically for a chamber string ensemble alongside full metal instrumentation. The ensemble features German Dmitriev on violins, Steven Schumann on cellos, Maciek Szczyciński on double bass, and C. Alex Luke on piano, integrated with heavy guitars, technical leads, and aggressive drumming.

Released independently in 2026, Eternal Recurrence serves as both an introduction and a mission statement, presenting symphonic metal that values realism, restraint, and emotional detail without sacrificing heaviness or intensity. The project exists at the intersection of classical tradition and modern metal, focused on authenticity, composition, and the expressive imperfections that only human performers can provide.