Elis – Catharsis

For everyone that are not aware of this band, Elis are a gothic, symphonic female fronted metal band from the small country of Liechtenstein. Suffering the loss of their former singer Sabine Dünser back in 2006, the band went on with Austrian singer Sandra Schleret, former vocalist of Dreams of Sanity and Siegfried. This is their first full length release with the new line-up and something really has changed.

Having already in mind the band’s previous releases -which to my ears and taste- were a bit weak in all matters concerned, this one really moved my head. The production is super crystal clear, heavy and smooth, almost excellent I could say and quite proper to the genre’s standard demands. Sandra Schleret’s vocals gave another aspect and form and the songs, on this release flow like an endless stream, as if they were one unique unit. Small, mid tempo songs, most direct than ever and aiming high. Consisting of dark melodies, heavy guitars, melodic and fast leads, ethereal vocals in the likes of Theatre of Tragedy, Leave’s Eyes, Tristania etc. combined with few brutal vocals, this work will surely bring this underestimated band to surface.

I have to be honest, “Catharsis” really surprised me. Having heard their past releases, I never would have expected to hear something better than the average. Now I have it on my player and I play it loud! A great release of pure melodic gothic metal. All you melodic metal followers invest your money and time without hesitation!