The Eternal Return is the sixth studio album by American melodic death metal band Darkest Hour released on June 23, 2009 through Victory Records. The album was produced by Brian McTernan who had previously produced Darkest Hour's debut album The Mark of the Judas in 2000. The album fulfilled the band's contract with Victory, making it their last release through the label.

The Human Romance is the seventh studio album by the American melodic death metal band Darkest Hour. The album was released on February 22, 2011, in North America through eOne Music, and was released on March 7 in Europe through Century Media Records. This would be Darkest Hour's last album with drummer Ryan Parrish and bassist Paul Burnette.