And now something for the whole family (if the whole family digs Polish death), namely ELYSIUM. The third album from the five Poles at once blasts intensely from the speakers; it is no hard question, however, which groups have influenced Elysium. At The Gates, The Haunted, Dark Tranquillity… Elk metal, anyone? And as if that wasn’t enough: Singer Maciej Miskiewicz sounds exactly like Speed Strid (Soilwork) and thus we have arrived at the conclusion… what’s the point of sounding like everyone else? OK, I admit they are good musicians inasmuch as they handle their instruments blamelessly (and particularly the bass is nicely present, supporting the rest of the instruments in a fine way, without drowning in the overall sound) but somehow… If you are a fan of the bands mentioned above, or bands playing in the same vein, do not hesitate, especially if you are an avid fan of Soilwork who cannot stop playing their latest release. The thrashy guitars of ELYSIUM and the mature lyrics (where special care has been given, which is very obvious) are sure to entertain the average melodic thrasher; I for myself, however, have to search somewhere else for my cup of tea.

Elysium