Symphonic metal can be an exciting genre sometimes, but it can also be disappointing and overcrowded with clones. I see dozens of such promos every year, and only a few really grab me. Elvellon is one of those, and their sophomore album Ascending in Synergy is becoming something of an earworm for me. It releases on May 17th through Napalm Records.
Elvellon hail from Germany, and this is their first through Napalm. They seem to be gain footing in festivals and by opening for bigger acts. This album really shows us why that is. The current lineup includes Nele Messerschmidt on vocals, Gilbert Gelsdorf on guitars, Martin Klüners on drums, Pascal Pannen on keys, and Jan Runkel on bass.
I’ll just say it. Elvellon play symphonic metal with progressive leanings, and there isn’t much else to say about their particular genre choice. However, I find that their individual style is quite arresting. Their music has real heart, and Nele’s voice is unique to where it might take a couple listens to fully embrace it. When you do, though, you’ll unlock even more that this album has to offer.
So, yes, the band has the much-visited combination of orchestrations with metal, but I find two things are true. First, they are a great metal band. Many in this genre aren’t, honestly, and when you take away the orchestrations, very little is left. Elvellon has an excellent guitarist with both familiar and interesting riffs to offer, and their rhythm section is strong. Second, the band offers some truly spiraling, spellbinding orchestrations that aren’t merely a backdrop or theatrical component; some of these songs are quite cinematic and ambitious, and Pascal’s keys factor in here, too, and the interplay is absolutely beautiful.
I think that it why I like Ascending in Synergy so much: it is convincing. The band aren’t just cosplaying a symphonic metal act, and even though comparisons to Nightwish are unavoidable, they have their own thing going. This album feels like passionate people telling an engrossing story with finesse in their fingertips and wonder upon their tongue, and they do all this without sounding particularly bombastic or cheesy.
I can say without any doubt that the second half of this album is the better half. I say that even though both singles, “A Vagabond’s Heart” and “My Forever Endeavour”, are in the first half and are great songs. The former gives a great dose of their storytelling and often subtle style, and the latter is mostly a ballad and I love the chorus. The other three tracks are even better, I think, with opener “Unbound” standing out with its gorgeous intro and stylish guitars; “Ocean of Treason” being my favorite in this half for its epic riffs and cinematic presence, and “The Aftermath of Life” having some of the heaviest moments on the record.
But the second half—it is so, so good. It begins with “Last of Our Kind”, which sounds like the start of a new album somehow. It is a reserved track with delicate and careful melodies, and a chorus that might not strike you right away, but it stays with you. Next is my favorite song on the album, the stunning “Into the Vortex”, which has the best orchestrations and the most progressive song structure overall. From its assertive guitars to Nele’s wicked vocals with edge to the fantastic instrumentation in the second half, which gives me goosebumps, this piece is special.
Yet, the last three songs do not dip in quality. “A Legacy Divine” is pretty matter-of-fact in style, and it leans into the piano and atmosphere to great effect. “The Aeon Tree” is the longest piece here at almost ten minutes, and it reminds me of something from the second disc off the most recent Nightwish album. You’ll hear cinematic, meaningful voiceovers and fantastical imagery; it is like a journey in and of itself, and a beautiful one full of light and hope, at that. The closer “Epiphany of Mine” maintains that tone, and Nele sounds particularly great on this song with the slow build towards the end.
Elvellon deserve a piece of the symphonic metal community’s heart. I won’t say that this is the most original or trailblazing work in the genre, but the band plays with blood, sweat, and tears in every moment, and the performances are terrific across the board. And especially in the second half, I can hear future masterpieces rising from their collaboration, and some of these songs are already there.
________________
Find Elvellon online:
________________
________________
The PROG Mind 