Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Eleine - Until the End (2018)

The "beauty and the beast" vocal technique of female cleans and male growls originated in the 90s from gothic metal releases like the first 3 Theatre of Tragedy albums and Within Temptation's debut Enter. Nowadays, any band with heavy riffs and bombastic symphonics can do that vocal pairing. We already know that style was popularized in symphonic metal by Epica, but what about this Swedish band Eleine? This is their glorious second album Until the End!

The newer bands like Eleine have helped stabilize symphonic metal in the past 10 years before this review. Madeleine Liljestam has a lot of strength and power in her vocals, greatly fitting in with the growls by guitarist Rikard Ekberg.

There's some of that heavier gothic vibe in "Story Untold", getting close to melodeath territory, though the symphonics and singing are what help things out. Cranking up the tempo is "Echoes". Madeleine stands her ground with her vocals, while Ekberg provides the ocassional growls whenever the time is right. "Sanity" punches through with some deathly groove, again balanced out with the symphonics. "From the Grave" continues that sound with a bit of spookiness to remind some of King Diamond (the band).

One of the best tracks to display that vocal pairing is "Whisper My Child", sounding heavy while staying bombastic. The title track is a perfect diverse cauldron of the oriental aspects of Myrath, the symphonics of Xandria, and a bit of the power metal of Heavenly and Iron Fire. The gothic ballad "Please" is all about emotion, not too much drama.

"Another Rite" may seem too pop-ish for heavier metalheads, but when you listen with an open mind, you can the vocal dynamics there. They especially shine in the catchy chorus, thus making another epic highlight. "Hell Moon (We Shall Never Die)" has more of those Therion-infused symphonics. "Prelude: Arise" is a brief break before the final track. "Break Take Live" unleashes heavy aggression including some soloing to top it all off. As much as the vocals are memorable, so is the instrumentation.

Until the End has showcased a heavier gothic-esque side of symphonic metal last heard from Epica. Eleine has strengthened that sound with their talent. Alongside other bands like Seven Spires and Beyond the Black, they shall reign in the new wave of symphonic metal!

Favorites: "Story Untold", "Echoes", "Whisper My Child", "Until the End", "Another Rite", "Break Take Live"