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At the start of 2023, I did not anticipate reviewing not one but two kickass albums coming from Italy. Mario, pizza and football jokes aside, the two bands in question might not be that similair in their sound, lyrical focus or career path, but together they present the united front of the modern metal scene not just in Italy, but in Europe in general. Of course, the first one is Dead Like Juliet, whose Stand Defiant blew me off in early May, and now I am thrilled to present you with the second, the rising metalcore outfit Elyne who have just dropped one of the most passionate, cohesive, and structured albums this year in IDENTITY.
For Elyne, IDENTITY can be seen as something of an international debut, and hopefully their well-deserved breakthrough to global audiences. They have been making noise for about a decade now, mostly localised in their home country, until their 2022 EP Call It Home kind of put them on the bigger map with a punching sound, industrial feel and characteristic vocals that really are hard to mistake (this EP is also where the absolute gem 'We The Hate' with the very same Dead Like Juliet came from). Back to IDENTITY now and a band can hardly have a better, more logical and well timed LP to follow their previous release that set the stage for what is now a bold statement of intent, talent and dedication.
If you have to sumarise Elyne's music in any way, it is very European and Arising Empire-y (just make it happen, it makes so much sense...), for all the positives this brings. There are certain regional characteristics that are so powerful and embedded in the scene, particularly in the central parts of the continent, that bands would inevitably incorportate at least some of them, especially those who are still shaping their identity and looking at the future. However, when done so well and precise, you get an album like IDENTITY that becomes more of a definition than an example, and Elyne have executed it to perfection with maturity, confidence and unique flavour that immediately make them stand out.
The album delivers a fast-paced and envigorating modern metalcore, gallopping forward with barely a break. Add a very distinctive nu-metal influence and industrial spark, all mixed in to enrich the overall atmosphere and chaotic feel, without excessive use of electronics. For the final touch they blend in very, very, characteristic cleans, a borderline artificial tone that complements the dominant mood perfectly and balances the harsh hardcore-ish gutturals for an exemplary "beauty and the beast" vocal delivery. So far, this might sound like a very formulated and souless modern record like we get on a weekly basis but trust me when I say it is a rager that offers a fresh perspective on what we already love.
Over the last year Elyne have shared a majority of the singles, slowly revealing the full picture that looks even better with all pieces of the puzzle put in place. IDENTITY gets a fittingly thunderous opening with 'EYEBLINKS' before jumping right into the familiar belters 'BETTER OFF DEAD' and 'OUTBREAK II'. Next are two of the brilliant new tracks 'INVIGORATE' and 'GHOSTS' adding a more alternative feel to the album and making a smooth transition to the pit-starter 'SHUT UP'. Following are another two of the released singles that would likely become fan favourites - 'I DON'T FEEL ANYTHING' and 'PARALYZED' with Rising Insane themselves. And then, like every great album, IDENTITY gets a proper finale with the trinity of 'DOOMED TO DISAPPEAR', 'EPHEMERAL' and 'DEAD END, EMPTY SHELLS'.
And there you have it, an exemplary piece of European modern metal. Elyne have given us a truly outstanding LP, and I shouldn't forget it is self-made as well, and deserve all the credit and respect for that. Passion really is the key here, and you can give it to their Mediterranean blood or expressive nature, but the intensity, emotion and energy are truly impecable. I am definitly curious to see what the future holds for them but as far as the band is concerned, they have done their part to break into the scene with confidence and ambition, now it is to us to give them the push they need to go higher.
Elyne - 'IDENTITY'
Country: Italy
Released: 29 September 2023
Label: Independent / Believe
Tracklisting:
1. 'EYEBLINKS'
2. 'BETTER OFF DEAD'
3. 'OUTBREAK II: THE RECKONING'
4. 'INVIGORATE'
5. 'GHOSTS'
6. 'SHUT UP'
7. 'I DON'T FEEL ANYTHING'
8. 'PARALYZED'
9. 'DOOMED TO DISAPPEAR'
10. 'EPHEMERAL'
11. 'DEAD END, EMPTY SHELLS'
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