Album Review: Elegy of Madness – XI (Scarlet Records)

‘XI’ represents a rebirth for Elegy Of Madness, thanks to a redefined sound, more concise song writing and the soprano vocals of new frontwoman Kyrah Aylin. The new album will be released on October 20th, 2023, via Scarlet Records.

The modern crop of symphonic metal bands continue to impress across the entire world, and few are as impressive as Elegy of Madness. Bolstered by a new vocalist who truly gives them an extra edge, the symphonic metallers are sounding rejuvenated. Delivering an eleven-track epic that is smooth and clean, has plenty of heavy bite, and puts a huge amount of focus on the vocals.

Which isn’t too much of a surprise once you hear just how much range Kyrah Aylin has.

Though, don’t let that fool you into thinking Elegy of Madness have lost some of their metal fire. Just wait for Broken Soul to hit, after the cinematic introduction of 11:11. It’s an opening heavyweight that sets the level of creativity this album is going to showcase, even if there aren’t quite as many that are as blood-pumping as this.

Though there can be few complaints about the energetic and daringly danceable Hybrid Love. Here, Elegy of Madness show how they are evolving their sound. Followed then, by the pomp and magnificence of Revelation, the dramatic and morose sound that Insanity delivers, the exciting melo-death guitar riffs of Goddess, and the cinematic grandeur of Moon. Each with their own elaborate and intricate detail, it’s a symphonic metal extravaganza.

Which, of course, does mean naysayers of this style won’t necessarily have their mind changed, but they will find it hard to argue with the epic-ness of Portrait of A Ghost. A truly classy example of Elegy of Madness’ current creative output. Many might need to take a deep breath afterwards, which is where the haunting intermission of A.I. Slavery comes in. Before Crawling goes fast, injecting some energy into the album right at the end, and just in time for Elegy of Madness to go very big with the finale of Legion.

XI is a forward step for Elegy of Madness but not to the point of being unrecognisable. The group are becoming more refined and expanding on their symphonic metal sound. There’s no denying their potential now.

Elegy of Madness – XI Track Listing:

1. 11:11
2. Broken Soul
3. Hybrid Love
4. Revelation
5. Insanity
6. Goddess
7. Moon
8. Portrait of A Ghost
9. A.I. Slavery
10. Crawling
11. Legion

Links

Spotify | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Scarlet Records