Eleine - We Shall Remain (2023)

Hailing from Sweden, today we have a Symphonic Metal band that has been gradually taking the scene by storm: Eleine. With a very powerful and engaging sound, it is quite hard to stand out in this very crowded genre, but this band has managed to do so by creating highly enjoyable songs. With “We Shall Remain”, the band’s fourth full-length release on the heels of their most recent North American tour with Moonspell and Oceans of Slumber, the band is set to reach a whole new level of acclaim.

Opening with the powerful “Never Forget”, the pounding distorted guitars mean business as the band sets a very high-octane mood filled with catchiness. Led by the charismatic and talented Madeleine "Eleine" Liljestam, the band’s music perfectly fits her vocals, creating very powerful and diverse melodies that are sometimes flanked by harsh growls to amplify that duality of heaviness and melody. Tracks like “Stand by the Flame”, “We Are Legion”, and “Promise of Apocalypse” are perfect examples of that.

We particularly like in this release that all songs are short and direct, and yet have a very dynamic and cinematic feeling to them, while staying quite Metal. Many Symphonic Metal bands focus too much on over-the-top orchestrations or choir arrangements, however, Eleine excels by keeping things simple, direct and quite hefty, as “Blood in Their Eyes”, “Through The Mist” and the headbanging anthem “Suffering”.

Very well rounded up with excellent guitar work, tight drumming, and a playful and yet firm bass guitar line, “We Shall Remain” is a very engaging and fun release. We particularly appreciate the focus on heaviness, rather than being extremely adorned. We loved the band playing live on their previous tour, and hopefully they are preparing another cross-country trek to promote this album. In the meantime, enjoy this excellent release.

Label: Atomic Fire Records

Release: July 14th, 2023

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Country: Sweden