The Eternal Return is the sixth studio album by American melodic death metal band Darkest Hour released on June 23, 2009 through Victory Records.

[4] He was temporarily replaced by former At All Cost guitarist Mike Carrigan,[5] who was later made a permanent member of the band after filling in for Norris during the 2008 "Thrash and Burn" tour.

[4] According to Darkest Hour lead guitarist and founding member Mike Schleibaum, Brian McTernan "helped solidify our sound and define us as a band.

"[4] During the Thrash and Burn European Tour 2009, Darkest Hour played "No God", the first song from The Eternal Return to be performed live prior to its release.

For one week, starting June 23, 2009, the day of release, fans could enter their code into the Eternal Giveaway website to instantly win one of 50 prizes.

[12][13] The band hoped to make The Eternal Return an aggressive metal album with "no hidden agenda, no pop hit, or stylistic departure to broaden the fan base.

"[14] Schleibaum described the album as having the "aggression and speed" of 2003's Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation, the "melody and songwriting" of 2005's Undoing Ruin, and the "technicality and musicianship" of 2007's Deliver Us.