The Eternal formed in Melbourne, Australia in mid-2003. Later that year, they inked a two-album deal with Firebox Records of Finland on the strength of a self-titled promotional EP. Their debut album for Firebox 'The Sombre Light of Isolation' was released worldwide in June 2004, and received glowing reviews in both mainstream and underground media around the globe. In support of this album, The Eternal toured Australia, Hong Kong, continental Europe, UK and Finland in late 2004, and upon return immediately set about writing material for their second album - Sleep of Reason. LATE HOL DEAL