Review by Adam M on May 25, 2017.

Asira performs a very ethereal form of metal music. The riffs here transport you to another atmosphere that feels good and breezy. The similarities lie to a band like Alcest that also performs this type of atmospheric music. The mood created is one of contentment and satisfaction here. The songs emit a positive vibe and it bleeds through to every aspect of the music.

The guitars have that ethereal touch that is splendid to behold. The singing does a nice job of complementing the music, but is nothing to write home about. Still, it’s the guitar work that transports the listener to another plane of existence. To go along with the mood created there is a certain depth to songs that are performed in such a fashion that will keep you coming back for more. The music has that natural ability to draw the listener in for repeated listens and this is a huge credit to the band. There is a certain touch to the proceedings that is largely likeable and lends credence to the replay value to be found here. The mood that is created is largely happy and this needs to be discussed more. It has a manner of making the listener feel contented and this is what leads to the replay value present. It is rare to find such an uplifting piece of work and that is why it is such a worthy entry to the metal genre. The songs glide by and catch your attention each time.

This is a really nice piece of music and it fits in nicely to the more harsh metal entries of the year. It is nice to have a counterbalance of a positive sounding recording and that’s exactly the balance that is struck here.  The only downside is that it fails to have a huge impact upon the listener. Efference comes recommended to all fans of atmospheric music, however.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Jack on June 7, 2002.

According to the Greeks, Elysium was the abode of the ghosts of the virtuous dead. The inhabitants of Elysium were said to reside in a state of perpetual bliss and blessedness...

To Elysium circa 2002 is a Gothic metal band who relive the Greek myth of Elysium by transporting us through some 40 odd minutes of splendid empyreal atmosphere with their account of the trip To Elysium. "Dearest Vile" is an anecdote of the pilgrimage.

What we have in essence with To Elysium is Gothic metal not short of the temper in which Battlelore and Tristania play. The noticeable difference to the approach that To Elysium take is that the melodic feminine vocals of Esther take a firm front seat ahead of traditional death metal vocalist Rein. The aforementioned bands, Battlelore and Tristania, are on the flip side of the equation with their testosterone fronters taking the patriarchal role.

"Dearest Vile" is a concept album in every sense of the word. The band name "To Elysium" is based around a strong mythological concept. "Dearest Vile" is the exposé of the band's journey. From the opening 'Harangue' (if you have seen the movie Gladiator, this should bring back some nostalgia for you) to the closing 'Doomcraft', each song is a glimpse into the world of To Elysium. Strong keyboard melodies give rise to an otherworldly décor represented time and time again between the articulated interplay of Esther and Rein.

Summing up, if you enjoy your metal with a Gothic touch boasting literal and metaphorical lyrical concepts that take a matriarchal vocal format, then I doubt you need look further than "Dearest Vile".

Bottom Line: Fans of the whole Gothic metal vibe will definitely be raving. Those who are not so big on Gothic metal, may want to give this a look just for the concept of "Dearest Vile", if nothing else.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10