Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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Eleine’s latest album, “We Shall Remain”, is a captivating and immersive musical journey that firmly establishes the band as a force to be reckoned within the symphonic metal scene, and even beyond. With their blend of symphonic elements, heavy guitars, and soaring vocals, Eleine takes us on an incredible sonic journey that is both darkly enchanting and fiercely empowering.
Right from the opening track, the album grabs your attention with in your face riffing, heart-pounding double bass and the commanding presence of vocalist Madeleine “Eleine” Liljestam. Her voice effortlessly transitions between ethereal melodies and straight up belting choruses.
While “Dancing in Hell” was the boost that saw the band make a massive jump in the metal scene, “We Shall Remain” is an album that showcases Eleine’s growth and maturity as songwriters, and has significantly raised the bar for future symphonic/goth metal bands. The tracks are meticulously crafted, with each song offering a unique atmosphere and memorable hooks. The band seamlessly weaves together elements of symphonic metal, gothic rock, and even some black metal influences, creating a rich and dynamic sound.
The first three tracks, “Never Forget”, “Stand By the Flame” & “We Are Legion” right off the bat deliver one heck of a sucker punch with intense riffing, deep bass and incredible drums. “Never Forget” sees incredible vocal melodies by both Madeleine and Rikard, with perfectly placed harsh vocals by Rikardas well, while haunting middle-eastern tinged vocals by Madeleine on “Stand By the Flame” create an ethereal landscape backed by incredible riffing that will you draw you in even deeper.
Cuts like “We Are Legion” are aptly named and dedicated to the strong alliance that Eleine fans have created. With haunting choir-like landscapes drenching this track, Rikard’s harsh vocals mix incredibly well with Madeleine’s powerful vocals.
Standout tracks like “Promise of Apocalypse” and “Suffering” really showcase Eleine’s ability to create hauntingly beautiful melodies. “Promise of Apocalypse” creates a massive wall of black metal-tinged symphonic metal, reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir’s “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”, and the strings are incredibly well arranged and add incredible layering to the track. “Suffering”, a track that combines heavy guitars with a melancholic atmosphere and hauntingly beautiful vocals delivers a truly emotive experience.
The title track “We Shall Remain” is probably one of my favourite tracks off of the new album. Everything from the enchanting and hauntingly beautiful vocals from Madeline, choir-like vocals, incredible riffing, symphonic parts that will melt your ears, a middle-eastern tinge and a thrash-like sound all come together to form an epic soundscape that will leave you thirsty for more.
Lyrically, “We Shall Remain” explores themes of resilience, inner strength, and overcoming adversity. The band’s lyrics delve into introspection and self-empowerment, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. Eleine’s ability to convey emotions through their music is truly remarkable, creating a powerful connection with their audience.
Production-wise, the album is pristine, allowing each instrument to shine and maintaining a perfect balance between the symphonic and heavy elements. The mix is clear and powerful, ensuring that every detail and nuance of the music is fully realized.
This album has absolutely zero empty space. Everything from start to finish is perfectly crafted to skyrocket Eleine to become one of symphonic metal’s greatest elements to date. “We Shall Remain” is a triumph, showcasing the band’s artistic growth and their ability to create a captivating and diverse metal experience. With their blend of symphonic elements, powerful vocals, and introspective lyrics, Eleine has crafted an album that demands repeated listens and solidifies their place in the metal scene. Fans of symphonic metal and gothic rock will find much to love in this powerful and enthralling release.
Verdict: 5/5
Ethereal Metal 
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