Elis aren't merely one more metal band, gothic metal band that is, as the proof can be heard on Catharis, an album full of fire, fed by exhilarating performances. Having released an album called Twilight under another band name, Elis came into being and released God's Silence, Devil's Temptation in 2003. Elis has five members; times have been tough for the band with the death of Elis's previous vocalist Sabine Dunser. Catharis is the first full length Elis CD to feature the talents of their new singer Sandra Schieret.
Flaring up as "Core Of Life" bestows the spark for Elis's soaring heavy musical blaze, Sandra's fetching voice soars, the thunderous sounds of metal guitars are heard, and there's a powerhouse of propulsion from the bass and drums. Beauty and the beast meet on tracks like "Warrior's Tale" and "Morning Star" as dark male vocals come into play. My pick for best song is the enthralling "Des Lebens Traum - Des Traumes Leben", it surely has that WOW factor, crying out for repeat listens, if this number was any cooler it would need defrosting before listening. "I Come Undone" with its metallic rocking style is a feel good track, and "Mother's Fire" is another rocker. Atmospheric Ballad "Rainbow" will carry you away while "The Dark Bridge" brings Catharsis to a close with some fine metal.
So there you have it, with premier releases like Catharsis to their name, Elis can't go wrong, it's a winner for the fans or anyone who welcomes a splendid female fronted metal band.
Track list:
1. Core of Life
2. Twinkling Shadow
3. Warrior's Tale
4. Des Lebens Traum - Des Traumes Leben
5. I come undone
6. Firefly
7. Morning Star
8. Das kleine Ungeheuer
9. Mother's Fire
10. Rainbow
11. The Dark Bridge