Review by JD on October 18, 2011.

Combining many forms of metal into something that is fresh and amazing takes talent, conviction and sheer guts. Many bands out there do it. Some do it to perfection and others turn out some of the worst metal that needs to be killed off. That is the nature of this business... yet it is also this innovation always is what drives the beast forward like no other form of music out there. Elderdawn is one of these bands striving to be noticed.

Spain’s Elderdawn is a band that is made up of many metallic parts that perfectly fit and ends up coming across as being pretty original. Combining some powerful and dark Black Metal with parts of Death while coloured by Melodic Power/Traditional metal shrouded in a veil of a Gothic sort of vibe and having a Progressive overture as well. This band creates a feeling that is one part ominous, two parts powerful and many parts fascinating.

You cannot help hear the complexity of the music, or not notice the ranges of power from one song to the next. 'Passion' is a song that captures the force that this band has. Melodic and brutal yet ingenious. Other songs like the creepy 'My Own Torture' or the brain twisting reality of 'Almost Human' displays a band that has intelligence to back up every spat word. They remind me of this odd spawn of King Diamond, Cradle of Filth and shadings of Entombed feel with the very odd vocals like System Of A Down’s deranged warbler Serj Tankian. Brilliant and weird. System is not a band I have ever liked, but the vocal style seems more suited used here than even with System.

Elderdawn does gives you a wide scope, but it is clearly amazing. It is what metal needs. People who are not scared to go outside of the norm without going off in a ditch and into territory that is never good to even visit. They are amazing, although this CD will not end up being in everyone’s taste. My advice is just give it a listen to Elderdawn... I happen to like it.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.7 out of 10