THE ELYSIAN FIELDS “12 Ablaze” /CD/

The third full-length album by cult Greek Melodic Death/Black Metal.
This band makes interesting mix of Death Metal and Black Metal with symphonic elements. The musicianship is expert and can pull both Black Metal and Death Metal styles without any problems. Same goes for the faster blastbeat driven parts and calmer atmospheric parts. The vocals are the usual Black Metal bellowing save for some whispered parts and the spoken parts. The production is similar to Black Metal, not the primitive type though. It’s somewhat raw but at the same time clear and strong. The bass drum especially sounds good although it’s not that clear or strong but more like a muffled click which is typical for Black Metal and also some Brutal Death Metal production.
All in all “12 Ablaze” is a very interesting release. The mix of Death and Black Metal along with orchestral elements works surprisingly well. In fact so well, that the songs can get pretty progressive at times. 
Fans of Greek Dark Metal and Dark Metal in general should check this one out but there’s also something for those who grave for symphonic elements like violins, cello and piano in their Metal. Who knows you might just find a new hidden gem to add to your collection!!
Black Lotus Records, 2001 (BLR/CD 029). Made in Greece. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Enshield My Hate Eternal     4:50 
2. Of Dawns, Perished Tranquillity     4:19 
3. Rapture And The Mourning Virtue     5:20 
4. Weak We Stand Before Them     1:52 
5. Ablazing 12     5:00 
6. A Serenade Like Blood Caress     4:40 
7. Even If I Could Forgive     5:12 
8. The Entreaty Unsung     4:24 
9. As The Light Dissappears     5:30
Total playing time: 41:07