Et In Arcadia Ego is something a little bit different from our friends over at Lion Music. Known mostly as a paradise for guitar based music, this debut album from Greek act Chrysilia instead is a refreshing burst of symphonic folk metal with stunning female vocals, a style that the neo-classic label rarely ventures. Imagine if you will a blend of Epica and Blackmore's Night...that's kind of where Chrysilia fall between, and Et In Arcadia Ego is a great sounding album (produced by Firewind/Serious Black guitarist/keyboard player Bon Katsionis) that will thrill many genre fans.
Chrysilia are comprised of
Chryso (Vocals),
Teo Ross (Guitars),
Jim Ramses (Bass),
Simon Kay (Drums),
John Matzakos (Keyboards), and
Odysseas (Violin). The violin and orchestral keys make up a big part of the musical attack on the lovely "Desperate Wings", with a sizzling guitar solo and recorder also making an appearance, but it's the absolutely gorgeous vocals of Chryso that steals the show throughout Et In Arcadia Ego. Comparisons to Simone Simons and Candace Night are unavoidable, so if you like both of those tremendous singers, you'll likely be enchanted by Chryso's vocals, and she's equally astounding on the more power metal based "The Menalon Trial", the folky "Arcadia", and the stunning mix of prog and folk on "By The Gates Of Ypsus". Love dramatic symphonic metal with a touch of folk? Check out the awesome instrumental title cut, a really intense vehicle for Matzakos, who creates all sorts of sweeping bombast with his array of keyboards. The ultra folky "Chrysilia" again sees alluring violin and emotional vocals taking center stage, while bruising metal guitar riffs and orchestral synths dial up the decibels on the heavy "Altar of Silence". More drama ensues as the band close out with the symphonic metal sounds of "King of a Stellar War" and the majestic "The Fifth Season", the latter features some of Chryso's best vocals on the album alongside some gorgeous piano and emotional violin.
Fans of female fronted symphonic power/folk metal with find much to sink their teeth into here on Et In Arcadia Ego, the debut from a very talented band and singer who has 'star' written all over her.
Track Listing
1. By The Gates Of Ypsus
2. The Menalon Trail
3. Desperate Wings
4. Arcadia
5. Et in Arcadia ego
6. Chrysilia
7. Altar Of Silence
8. King Of A Stellar War
9. The Fifth Season
10. Desperate Wings (Orchestral Version)
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