Released On: 23rd February 2018
Aesthetically symphonic metal has taken the pomp of hair metal and turned into a whole new institution. Looking at the promo shots for Eleines’ new album this is especially true. Merging and mixing styles frivolously and unabashedly willing to experiment with a black metal and one thousand and one gothic nights look. Which is all really cool but it’d be realized better if the music reflected the image.
Instead the second album from Swedens’ Eleine sounds like the melo-death metal soundtrack to a Bond film. Titled Until The End it also alludes to the same kind of emergency and although not intentional these allusions are pretty damn cool. Yet this is only apparent with the wonderfully actualized traditional orchestra /synths but it’s a very prominent part that strengthens the atmosphere on the album.
Moreover the complete orchestration is helped out of mediocrity by the excellent skills in both performance and songwriting of the group. Singer Madeleine Liljestam uses modulation in her voice to make some of the most engaging vocals this side of Butcher Babies. Fully complimenting some awesome shredding and of course augmenting the Bond-esq ensemble behind her.
It would seem that Eleine has nailed the female fronted symphonic metal band trope. While that’s not a bad thing putting politics aside, and as with most female fronted bands, this album is the sum of its parts. Making Eleine and their sophomore record a home to good musical stock.
8/10
