ETERNAL RECURRENCE Unveils New Single “Precious Stones,” A Chamber-Driven Take on Modern Symphonic Metal

Jan 20, 2026

ETERNAL RECURRENCE has released “Precious Stones,” a new single from the band’s upcoming self-titled debut EP, Eternal Recurrence, due later this year.

Blending modern metal with a chamber music approach to orchestration, ETERNAL RECURRENCE offers an alternative take on symphonic metal. Rather than relying on large orchestras or fully sampled arrangements, the project emphasizes the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape.

Faced with the financial realities of independent production, ETERNAL RECURRENCE draws inspiration from the chamber music tradition. Unlike large symphonic ensembles, chamber music is written for smaller groups capable of performing in more intimate settings. This philosophy forms the foundation of the project’s sound.

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.

“Precious Stones” was the first song written for the EP, dating back to the COVID pandemic. Originally conceived as a straightforward metal track with no symphonic elements, early versions featured keyboards, rock organ, and a synth solo. After the project’s creative direction shifted toward a chamber string ensemble, the song was reworked with newly composed string arrangements. As a result, the orchestration plays a more supportive role on this track compared to other songs on the EP.

The single 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.

Lyrically, “Precious Stones” stands apart from the rest of Eternal Recurrence. It 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.

Thiele reflects on the song’s themes below:

“My memory is a little hazy on the exact timeline, but I know that ‘Precious Stones’ was written at a time when the COVID pandemic and everything surrounding it was very much affecting everyday life.

I don’t think I need to list all the ways the pandemic messed with people’s minds and disrupted every facet of our existence, but one of the most frustrating parts of it was how political it became.

Anyone with something to gain from it weaponized it to try and take advantage in any way they could. It seemed like everyone, politically inclined or not, was divided into two teams, both of which were less interested in the general welfare of humankind and more interested in either profiting from the pandemic somehow, discrediting and defeating the other team, or both.

Combine this with other various contentious issues that were going on at the time, and people like myself who loathe politics and seek to avoid it as much as possible felt like we were being dragged into it against our will and forced to unequivocally choose one of the two sides, both of which were deeply flawed. Disagreement and compromise weren’t really on the table.

Even with COVID mostly in the rearview, all the various forms of media, social media especially, still seem intent on making sure everyone is sorted neatly into one of two boxes and reminding them that everyone in the other box is their enemy.

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.”

About 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.

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