The Greek goth/theatrical metal darlings, Elysion, post pandemic return finds em with a somewhat changed line up, but retaining their overall melodious sensitivities and their ability to pen a catchy tune.
The oversaturated colors of the previous covers have given way to a more austere greyish aesthetic, in this one that feels however,rather fitting. But as a saying goes, no one should judge a book by its cover. Because in this case the rather aesthetically designed cover, overlays a set of beautiful tracks that are second to none, when it comes to the band’s ever-growing catalog.
“Blink of an Eye” rolls over with a compact, yet massive, chunky riff that’s not too dissimilar to a Petrucci one, but it hardly feels like it’s stolen, as everything else about the song feels fresh and original. Still quite a surprising opener, due to how heavy it sounds most of the time with even some mock opera harmonies and a rather delectable solo. A win, any way you see it.
“Crossing Over” is the first single from the album and also the band’s first actual video clip. It’s classic Elysion at their catchiest, a song that you’d easily include in a best of compilation. Nuff said. Or not. Paradise Lost (when attempting to do electro) would have loved to have achieved the atmosphere of this one.
“Far Away” has a more contemporary intro, but it soon reverts to a splendorous melody that’s reminiscent of the band’s debut, while circumnavigating a monolithic riff. Neat. And the chorus completes the transaction, no questions asked.
“Buried Alive” is way more gothic and atmospheric, somewhat reminiscent of the sophomore albums incredible ballad, “The Promise”, lyricism, but far more developed in terms of orchestration. Another beautiful solo and a chorus to leave you breathless are to be found here.
“As the Flower Withers” is another more contemporary sounding track, with Christiana doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of melodies in this one. Despite its title, it quite a grower, this one.
“Raid the Universe” lifts its gaze skywards full of wonder over our interplanetary future. While more contemporary sounding and minimal, the huge vocal melodies really make this song work. It feels like the band managing to do the pop/goth that Nightwish are trying desperately to do on their most recent albums and momentarily managed to touch upon during their AO era, without losing their own very recognizable style (oh and it’s the band’s second single btw, this time with a visualizer).
“This Time” in a pretty much standard way, but the dynamics the panning and multiple vocals during the chorus are a stroke of genius. Definitely a single worthy track.
“Brand New Me” exchanges an early Maideneque sounding acoustic intro that actually extends and replays all over the track, with a glorious symphonized nickelback-like melody. Not entirely my cup of tea, them Cannucks, but the overall result justifies the band’s decisions.
“Blue Seasons” is a more relaxed, bluesy even in atmosphere, lyrically melancholic piece that for some reason goes a little percussion trigger happy, past its first chorus repetition for no apparent reason. Otherwise. it’s a fine little track that makes a nice contrast with the rest of the material on offer.
Last but certainly not least, “Eternity”, the third single from the album, has all of the band’s trademarks, along with that Paradise Lost lite atmosphere that’s rather endearing, along with a rather nifty chorus, which breaks it up rather nicely. It even manages to have a more ambient middle part, with only some spatial vocalizing, complete with operatic harmonies when vocals are reintroduced to once more lead to the chorus, before the track concludes. Rather genial and not a moment too long.
While this third step doesn’t manage to dislodge “Someplace Better” from my heart and my mind, as the penultimate Elysion album, it manages to really score almost as high, as any of the band’s previous efforts. It is consistent with them, without lacking a forward-thinking touch.
Definitely, something that will delight the band’s established fans and might as well bring a few more in the fold, especially if they manage to put some serious touring under their belts and corset. Well done then!
