| CD REVIEW Elis |
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Band: Elis The history of Elis goes back to 2002, when Erben Der Schöpfung’s existence faded away. Soon after the band changed its moniker into Elis, they entered the studio with producer Alexander Krull, as well as they signed to Napalm Records, one of the biggest labels when it comes to Gothic Metal nowadays. Several live appearances were done all over Europe, and some more studio material got released (through Napalm, of course), but three years ago dark clouds appeared. Caused by a nasty brain disease, singer Sabine Dünser passed away – Elis were finishing their new album Griefshire at that very same moment. However, the members decided to continue and soon after they found a new vocalist, being former Dreams Of Sanity/ Siegfried/ Soulslide-singer Sandra Schleret. It couldn’t be that easy for her to fill the emptiness Sabine left, yet the selected live performances she did showed a mature, charismatic personality, which gave a boost to the band. Finally, the band decided to return to Alexander Krull’s Mastersound Studio (Atrocity, WeltenBrand, Leaves’ Eyes, Belphegor, Midnattsol etc) and the result is a new step within the band’s evolution. Still the roots are present, of course, yet at the same time this album is the most catchy as well as the most intense and heavy one to date. The compositions seem to have more ‘deepness’ (caused by the sad experiences the band underwent recently) and at the same time they are stronger, darker, more firm. And some parts are much, much heavier than ever before (including some additional grunts), yet without losing its emotional core. Besides, Sandra’s vocals are of a nice quality, and it seems she overpowers her former efforts (see her other bands) by using a wider vocal timbre. Catharsis, which means something like ‘healing through suffering’, and lasting for almost fifty minutes, is a splendid Gothic Metal album that will be appreciated by every fan of, especially, ‘female fronted’ Metal from Norway, the Netherlands and, of course, the Alpine countries (Austria/ Switzerland/ Liechtenstein). 80/100 Ivan Tibos. |