Album Review: Ruins of Elysium – Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea (Self Released)

Ruins of Elysium is an epic symphonic metal band born from the will of Tenor Drake Chrisdensen to create a heavy metal band that would rely exclusively on male operatic voice, something rarely done in heavy metal. Born in the middle of 2013, the band have released two previous EPs (Prince and Daphne) and the full-length debut album Seeds of Chaos And Serenity. Now on January 15th, 2021 they present the follow-up, Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea.

Not a band capable of doing things by half, Ruins of Elysium return with yet another lengthy and grandiose epic. An album that is nearly 75 minutes in length and with 12 tracks of lavish and powerful symphonic metal tracks for fans to sink their teeth into.

Often when describing symphonic metal, certain words will constantly crop up time and time again. Words like bombastic, elegant, thumping, uplifting etc. Words that accurately portray the feeling of walking that little bit taller when listening to this kind of music. Battle cries and war marches, extravagant tales of old and colossal odysseys taken. All of this and more can be used when describing the astonishing album, Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea.

Driven by two major factors. Firstly we have the phenomenal voice of Drake Chrisdensen who truly is a singer to marvel at (just listen to Leviathan to understand). Secondly we have the symphonic elements that are used to perfection here. So much so that we never get that sense of repetition or unnecessary padding. No, every track has a unique sound to it even if it’s a more dominant metal track.

Talking of which, Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea is a heavy album but not so much that the constant beauty of what Ruins of Elysium are so good at is overshadowed. Robust and meaningful riffing, percussion that is akin to a clout to the ear and rhythm that always puts a smile on the face. Check out the hectic energy of Atlas or absolute head-banger that is Cathedral of Cascades as great examples of this side of the band.

Those are individual great tracks but be under no impression that there is any part of this album that is lacking. It’s a bar setting symphonic metal release for 2021.

Ruins of Elysium – Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea Full Track Listing:

1. Alexiel – An Epic Lovestory
2. Queen of the Seven Seas
3. Belladonna
4. Leviathan
5. Oceanic Operetta
6. Atlas
7. Book of Seals
8. Amphitrite
9. Okami: Mother of the Sun
10. The Ocean Is Yemanja’s
11. Cathedral of Cascades
12. Canzone Del Mare (Canção Do Mar

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