ELVENEFRIS

Did you think that Opeth were the ultimate mixture between 'extreme Metal' and 'progressive layers/interludes'? Well, now listen to 'Lykathea'. The perfect blend of harrowing brutality and passages full of spiritual harmony.

'Lykathea Aflame' is a Czech band that has gone through a lot of line-up changes. Prior to being 'Lykathea Aflame', they were known as 'Appalling Spawn'. They played a 'Technical/Progressive' breed of Brutal Death metal. When 'Appalling Spawn' broke up, the remaining members (with drummer Tomás Corn recruited) formed the 'Lykathea Aflame' that spawned the wonderful beast that is 'Elvenefris'.

I came across this band for ages, I really do not remember the exact time, but since this album came into my hands, it never came out. This album has become one of my favorites, coming to rival the 'magnus opus' of my favorite bands, and by now, they are the only band that has been able to generate such an impact on me with only 1 record... not for nothing, 'Lykathea Aflame' have become a respected act and a have gained a modest fan base throughout the world. Simply, a cult band.

From the soothing sound of synthesizers that envelop the intense riffs, to the mystical sound of the Mediterranean that sets the standard in each break, 'Lykathea' shows that in each of the 11 songs, they are able to maintain an unshakable identity, but not only that, the beautiful poetry which illustrates every song only manages to give more life to 'Elvenefris'.

Each instrument in this album engage the listener to put careful attention in their lines, being Tomás and his spectaculars drum fills, the more pleasant to discover through the layers that permeate the sound of 'Elvenefris'. Just listen to the album opener 'Land Where Sympathy Is Air', and pay close attention to the drum... yeah, 'Cryptopsy's' Monster: Flo Mounier pales in comparison to Tomás amazing spontaneity, versatility, speed, technique and subtlety. The axework in this album it's terrific, brutal, yet still beautiful, and uplifting (Take as an example the opening riff from 'To Become Shelter And Salvation'). Guitar lines in 'Elvenefris' aren't overly-technical, as a matter of fact, there aren't guitar solos, so you won't hear self- indulgent sweeps or overthetop technical riffing. Vocal-wise, everything fits perfectly, from the brutal growls to the clean singing, but even if you listen to Death Metal, the growls/pig-squeals are a thing that you must get used first, so, is almost an acquired taste.

Each track in this album is a must, although I have my personal favourites: 'Land Where Sympathy Is Air', 'To Give', 'On The Way Home', 'Sadness And Strength'.

'Elvenefris' is an album that must be listened to carefully in order to be fully apreciated. Too experimental for a 'Brutal Death Metal' purist, and too brutal for a 'Progressive Metal' elitist, but for those with enough open mind, will recognize that the mix of these factors give an authentic sound to the style 'Lykathea' applies in their music. A classic that always sound fresh, and with just a decade of history, 'Elvenefris' constantly shows us that is possible to keep pushing the stereotypes of the most extreme and progressive side of metal.

...An album that takes you into a quest into the deep unknown, but... guided by light.

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