Les ténèbres du dehors

I remember not too long ago I had a chat with a friend about this band, and he says to me “You do know classical music is dead.” Ummm, no it’s not, and this band is proof that it’s not only is classical music still alive, it’s still kicking ass. Before I borrowed this album from a friend of mine I had a hard time with that fact, but after I listened to the first track I was convinced classical music still has a standing spot in today’s music.

Elend’s music is very rich and atmospheric, but it has a very dark and sinister tone to it that will send chills down one’s spine. The vocals are a perfect blend of melodic harmony and mystique, and the disenchantment of the black metal-ish shrieks of the lead vocalist alone Elend stand out in it’s genre. The instrumentals are very smooth and cast a very elegant yet almost evil vibe; and the atmosphere is thick and really brings you as a listener into their world.

The lyrics range from poetic French scripture to English and build around the concept of Lucifer and original sin. A rather odd but interesting concept for a classical band to approach on.

Its really hard for me to pick a standout track since the whole album flows really well and feels as if you are listening to one massive song. A definite classic among classical music, this band brings something new and fresh while still keeping their thumb on history’s work. Overall, the album is perfect for fans of atmospheric, ambient, and/ or classical music and is also a good band for metal heads digging the likes of Opeth, Agalloch, and a small group of symphonic black metal bands. For fans of Die Verbannten Kinder Evas, Koyaanisqatsy, Alas, Mysterian, and Chaostar.