Band : Eternal Elysium
Album Title : Within The Triad
Label : Head Spin
Distributor : Clearspot
Release Date : 2010
Review : CD

Eternal Elysium were formed in 1991 by guitarist/vocalist Yukito Okazaki and have gone through numerous line-up changes over the years. Combining twisted psych time signatures, loose song structure and bluesy sonic textures, this Japanese threesome make music that appeals to the most broadminded fans of heavy rock. The result can be heard on Within The Triad, the fifth full length studio album. From the first track “Agents of doom”  to the last “Setsuri”  Eternal Elysium take you on a versatile musical journey that is inspired by the best Risng Sun-album ever Satori by Flower Travellin’ Band, added elements from stoner (Kyuss), NWOBHM (Desolation Angels, Holocaust, Diamond Head), doom (Candlemass, Goatsnake, St. Vitus) as well as bluesy 70s (Cream, Thin Lizzy, Groundhogs) to their otherwise original compositions. Yukito Okazaki’s guitar sound has always been at the core of the Eternal Elysium sound. The overall sound is full and well balanced and there is an agreeable warmth and crackle to the guitar distortion which gives the record an electric, alive aura. The band's potential shows best in the inventive song structures and tempo changes, but tends to get a bit one-dimensional in the vocal section, but that ’s a minor criticism.

It’s a strong release, just give it a listen and tell me the band isn’t firing on all cylinders...at least musically.

90/100

Cosmicmasseur.