ELYSIUM
Elysium are a Post-Hardcore/Metalcore/Modern Punk band from Watford (one of my old stomping grounds) and ‘In Valour’ is their debut EP. Until recently, all four members were in the band Times Like These but decided on a name and direction change when their vocalist departed. I’m not sure why they bothered really, because having checked them out as well, it all sounds pretty interchangeable. The only real difference is that three members of the current band have taken it upon themselves to deliver slightly differing vocal styles but, to be fair, they don’t really stand out and this is Elysium’s biggest problem. Post-Hardcore is a completely over saturated genre, with thousands of teenagers and twenty somethings plus hundreds of tons of hairspray all fighting for the next ‘glowing’ review in Kerrang. These bands might all think they are the best thing since cheese slices (sliced bread seemed a little old hat considering the ages of some of these guys), but being able to adequately play an instrument and scream over a few riffs doesn’t cut it with me, especially when there are no standout songs. Also, and perhaps it is because I am older now, but why do all of these bands feel the need to try and show you how ‘grown up’ they are with their lyrics? Please live a little before you try lecturing everyone else on relationships!
At the very least, there are a couple of adequate riffs (‘Scars’ being the best example) but, unfortunately, they are ruined by the angst and spotty delivery of a band whose target audience probably think that being able to wipe your own arse is a statement of adulthood. ‘In Valour’ does, however, score an extra mark for the quality of production, which is extremely good. As always I’ll say this is just my opinion and there will be a sizeable fan base for Elysium because they certainly are not the worst of this genre that I’ve listened to, but I’m just becoming a little jaded with the lack of originality that these bands have to offer.
At the very least, there are a couple of adequate riffs (‘Scars’ being the best example) but, unfortunately, they are ruined by the angst and spotty delivery of a band whose target audience probably think that being able to wipe your own arse is a statement of adulthood. ‘In Valour’ does, however, score an extra mark for the quality of production, which is extremely good. As always I’ll say this is just my opinion and there will be a sizeable fan base for Elysium because they certainly are not the worst of this genre that I’ve listened to, but I’m just becoming a little jaded with the lack of originality that these bands have to offer.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Self-released
EP
IN VALOUR
Review by Rick Tilley
RUNNING TIME:
17:45
RELEASE DATE:
13th May 2013
TRACK LISTING
1) In Valour
2) I'm a Thief But I Keep What I Steal
3) Scars
4) Boy
2) I'm a Thief But I Keep What I Steal
3) Scars
4) Boy
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
UK
"...At the very least, there are a couple of adequate riffs (‘Scars’ being the best example) but, unfortunately, they are ruined by the angst and spotty delivery of a band whose target audience probably think that being able to wipe your own arse is a statement of adulthood."
