'Elusion' is a new symphonic metal band that was created by the guitarist 'Domingo Smets' in 2015 and after 2 short EP has just released his first studio album 'Singularity'. At first listen, we can find similarities with 'Epica' (see their latest EP inspired by the manga 'The Attack of the Titans' here) with grandiose choruses and melodic lines close to those of the Dutch but also because 'Evy Verbruggen' who officiates singing can recall 'Simone Simons'. Moreover, something rare enough to emphasize, she is able to go from a clear voice to an extreme voice. The compositions are accessible in the image of the first title 'Choices and Chances' which after a instrumental introduction of 2 minutes which plants a flamboyant decor with omnipresent choirs, offers us a melody mixing Eastern and Western influences supported by imposing symphonic arrangements. The oriental side continues with 'The Tales That Tell Trees', then 'The Strive' is a catchy title with a chorus that immediately enters in the head and as for 'Lovelorn', the duet singing with 'Bjorn Strid' works wonders (see his participation in the 'Gathering of King' project here and the latest 'The Night Flight Orchestra' here). The pause arrives with the ballad 'In Eternity' with remarkable orchestral arrangements and it is perhaps in this register that 'Evy Verbruggen' recalls the most 'Simone Simons'. The rest of the album scrolls 'Reconciliation of Opposites' which plunges us into an oriental atmosphere, 'My War Within' which is very close to the style of 'Epica', then the melodic and energetic 'Crystal Doubts' and finally 'Anamnesis' which sees again Evy share the song with 'Björn Strid' and which ends on a very nice fade between electric and classical instruments, the album ending with the anecdotal remix in electro of 'The Strive'. In summary, even if they do not bring major novelties in this style of music, the Belgians of 'Elusion' released a very nice to listen to first album with a very talented singer and multiple and quality orchestral and vocal arrangements, which should make them known to an amateur audience of symphonic metal... | |
