Rising of the Storm

A masterpiece with great quality of production-especially if you consider the average quality of demo albums.

"Riders of the Storm" and "The Disciple of the Night Under a Starless Sky" are made to sound like one song-where "Riders..." stops, "The Disciple..." starts. The pass from one song to another is almost unnoticeable-sounds like a change of theme frequent in this kind of songs. At first I haven't noticed that they are, in fact, two songs. Both songs are fast-paced, interesting and fluent. The fantasy-battle themed lyrics remind of Bal-Sagoth, especially because of the dialog -like composition.

"Dryads and Trolls" is the brightest spot of the demo. Also of a fitting dialog-like composition lyrics. The female vocalist sings the role of both the minstrel introducing the song and Dryads/Nymphs, while the rough vocals represents the Trolls. As the creatures exchange, the music changes accordingly-light and melodic while the Dryads speak; fast while the Trolls plunder and destroy. A keyboards/bass background and the soft female vocalist's voice are a classy intro, followed by a rising tempo thought the song. All in all, a song featuring exceptional style.

Although there isn't some outstanding solo, the guitars keep the songs going with catchy and pleasant-sounding riffs. The absence of solos is irrelevant, because the music is so alive and well composed that there is no need for a solo. Normally, solos brake the monotony of songs, whilst there is no need for that in Elexorien's songs.

Excellent work with the keyboards. Obviously influenced-again-by Bal-Sagoth, brass section countering the guitar and giving a certain epic feel to the songs. Goes along perfectly with the lyrics, raising or calming the atmosphere exactly where it needs to be.

Drumming is very intensive, energetic and done with great skill. Reminds me of Wintersun-the combination of very fast double bass drumming and blast beats. No cymbal goes unused, and each one in the right place, accenting the guitars and keyboards. Keeping the rhythm fast and ongoing, the drums are more then satisfying for every taste.

The bass gives a nice base to the songs-not to accentuated or too silent. The quality of playing shows the dumbass sexists that a woman can play an instrument just as good-or better-than a man could.

These three songs show great quality of the band, a unison some bands never achieve. If they keep on going like that, they might even surpass the very bands they look upon as role-models. Missing Elexorien is a loss for every fantasy&metal fan!



These songs are available for free download at Elexorien's homepage, and they will be included on their firs album, scheduled April 13th 2007.

Wow, what a start! Hailing from the Netherlands, this self-described “Epic Fantasy Battle Metal” band has shown its talent through these three brilliant demo songs, available to download for free from their website. Each instrument, from the clever keys, to ripping guitars, and vocals that either blaze with fury, or shine with magnificence, it’s obvious that each band member has something great to contribute, and has talent with their instrument. There aren’t any solos of any sort, but the guitarist pulls off some very neat melodies and rhythms that keep the music interesting. (Their lineup has since been updated with a new guitarist) The keys are played very well within the band. They’re generally way in the background to provide just that little bit of atmosphere, but occasionally, they play some dual melodies with the guitarist, or they get their own little bits where it’s the keys with the melody, such as the song “Dryads and Trolls”, where the keyboard player pretty much opens and closes the song with a harpsichord melody that’s very reminiscent of some medieval ditty, as the female vocalist sings the story. The bass player doesn’t really stand out too much, but she does her job well. The drummer is intense, and he doesn’t let up. Double bass kicks, and lightning-paced beats are all over these songs, and the rhythms are always pushing the tempo during the fast parts.

Now, about the vocalists. I love them both. The female singer has a very nice, classically trained soprano, and she’s very lovely to listen to. The second is a fierce screamer who also plays guitar. His vocals are harsh, and totally ass-kicking. The work of the two vocalists together gives me a sort of heaven/hell feel. The lyrics are some pretty interesting blend of fantasy-folk, with songs about wars between dryads and trolls, and other such epic tales of honour, battle, and glory. But, mostly battle. Having the “dialogue roles” of the various characters in the stories that the songs tell being sung by the vocalists is neat to listen to. For example, in the song Dryads and Trolls, the Male growler hollers out the dialogue of the trolls, while the narration, and Dryads dialogue is covered by the female singer. I love this idea, personally. The various changes in tempo and vocalist in each song keep the listener guessing, and there is no set formula for the songs. Occasionally, I find the lyrics a little strange at times, as there are instances where the rhyming in the verses sort of falls apart, and the stories can seem really cheesy. But, this is Battle Metal, so screw the lyrics, and sharpen your axes, because the songs are an epic ride!

Right on, Elexorien, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!