When the guitarists Torsten Fünfhaus and Michael Sebastian, bass player Jörg Hassel and drummer André Genuit met for the first time in the practise room im 1997, to work together under the name of PERFECT CRIME, the band could already look back on a large treasure chest of experience which had been filled with bands such as the legendary German combos Sweet Cheater, Exploder and Final Prophecy. In Autumn 1998 the line-up, now completed by vocalist Dirk Stühmer and keyboarder Thomas Langner, released their first demo, which received great reviews in such important magazines as Japan\'s Burrn!.

Their first place in a local band contest and their second demo, \"Crimetime\", which they recorded in only six days, were enough to allow the popularity of PERFECT CRIME to make a steep upwards climb and ensure sold-out live shows. A support slot for the US metal legends Breaker and being selected to open Rock Hard magazine\'s \"Unerhört\" CD were the next highlights in the band\'s career. The number of gigs increased with a slot at the Rocktown Open Air and as support for the US hardrockers Axe. All this resulted in a contract with TTS Media Music, who, in 2002, released the \"Crimes of Passion\" CD. Shortly before the release, the band were forced for legal reasons to change the band name to ETERNAL REIGN.

The reactions in the media were very positive. The German magazine, Heavy, oder was!? even gave them the highest rating, way in front of long established bands such as Sentenced, Dokken, Iron Savior and Eidolon. With such a strong album in their luggage, it was no surprise to see them on the billing at Headbangers Open Air, the Keep It True and Building A Force festivals. Even the legendary and critical underground magazine \"Snakepit\" gave the band extensive coverage. Now established as one of the best underground metal acts in Germany, the band began recording their second album, \"Forbidden Path\", the title track of which had just been published on the Heavy, oder was!? compilation CD \"Metal Crusade\".

\"Forbidden Path\", the long awaited album, fulfilled everyones expactations. The ten powerful, melodic metal songs with a touch of the US style, some progressive elements and memorable, hymn-like choruses, as well as a great cover version of the Breaker classic, \"Ten Seconds In\" all have tons of hit potential and prove in a very impressive way that the Northern Germans have justifiably earned their reputation as one of the best German newcomer bands of recent time.