Modern Symphonic Metal Project ETERNAL RECURRENCE Releases Captivating New Single “8 by 8”

Mar 3, 2026

Drawing inspiration from chamber music, ETERNAL RECURRENCE offer an alternative, more intimate take on modern symphonic metal. With the release of their next single “8 by 8”, ETERNAL RECURRENCE provides a further sample of the forthcoming, self-titled, debut EP due later this year.

Project founder, multi-instrumentalist and composer C. Alex Luke shares an insight into the composition process for the new single, “‘8 by 8’ was the first track on the album that was fully composed after having made the decision to have a small string ensemble be the centerpiece of the project. As such, there is more intricate string writing, and the violin and cello have a more prominent role than they do in ‘Precious Stones'”.

On the lyrical inspiration behind “8 by 8”, Luke explains: “The lyrics of the song are written from the perspective of AlphaZero, a neural-network based chess-playing computer program. AlphaZero famously taught itself to play chess by playing millions of games against itself, and only 9 hours after learning the rules of chess, was able to win a match against Stockfish – at the time the best chess computer in the world. To me, the lyrics are a little like a training montage from a sports movie, where we see the hero go from nothing to being the champion.”

The ethos encompassing ETERNAL RECURRENCE prioritizes a focus on the sound of real musicians performing real orchestral instruments, preserving nuance, texture, and human imperfection in an increasingly digital landscape. In contrast to the full-scale orchestration commonly associated with the symphonic metal genre, ETERNAL RECURRENCE employs an approach influenced by chamber music in the creation of their orchestral arrangements. Blended with a modern metal sound, the resulting experience is one equally as emotive and enticing, but with a more intimate character. 

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.

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.

Connect With ETERNAL RECURRENCE: