Elegies - EP Review

Released	3rd March 2014
Recorded	2013
Genre	Melodic Hardcore
Length	17:00
Origin	SHEFFIELD
Rating	9 / 10

Sheffield's melodic hardcore band Elegies have just released their first ever self-titled EP, filled with five mind blowing tracks for you guys to demolish.

With the first release of "Scars", the band had already teased their fans into a long wait for what was next to follow. (Full review and song here) Captivating us with such a solid sound and new mixes, the news of an EP was more than demanding for us to have.

Starting the EP off with "Exile" a dominated guitar tune sets into play before briefly joined by the soft hits of the drums, before all pulled together with vocalists Thomas and Sam, swapping turns to make such a contrasting sound. Keeping the same rhythm throughout the song, but gradually slowing down to take a more hardcore path in the bridge, this song heightens its strength with the high guitar riff that soon gets cut off by the heavy corner the path has taken. Providing to show different tempos and structures, this song gives a brief overview of the bands turn and talent displayed, as it combines every single element in one beautifully composed piece. 

"Benjamin Huntsman" is a pure and solid defined instrumental art display. With no vocals, it sits with layers of tension building up with every note, gradually getting thicker and larger with content. Another easing song, it's simply just nice to lay back to and let your ears absorb it, as reminding me a lot of Heart In Hand and Northlane's instrumental work, Elegies have provided to add their own trademark sound to it, feeling nostalgic towards their work.

Straight into the next track, "Memento Mori" screams right in your face, plunging in with a heavy drop bass and guitar line that separate the pre-chorus perfectly. More of an angry song that you can just break out to, the bridge gives you a moments rest before all is returned, finishing the song in a violent manor.

Close to finishing "Family" proves to be my second favourite easily, mainly because of its catchy intro that has not left my head, or maybe just because of its overall complexity and intricate detail that has gotten into it. With a softer chorus which Thomas produces, it again matches Sam's cries perfectly, forever creating a double vision feeling. Breaking down into a typical hardcore style, the band have added a layer of pure solo guitar which adds to its detail and difference, divide it from most songs, with a finished scream.

Obviously finishing the EP off with "Scars" however they have revamped it to perfection, fully covering all grounds, a solid finish is exactly what they have mastered. Its clear intro sets pace for such a bouncy and high beat pace to follow, focusing highly on vocals, this song stresses it to the max, contrasting the two sounds against each other, works best here.

Now for an EP this was extremely brilliant as every single song flowed to the next, not repeating but showing a range of mesh sounds that collided together, creating a versatile and even finish. With only five songs released, it actually just makes you want to hear more of an album length as I could easily enjoy double the amount of time with their music. 

Highly recommend you give it a listen to for yourself and even download it as it's all free, or buy a hard copy for just £5 on their BANDCAMP

You can also catch the band on upcoming tours which include HIT THE DECK (Nottingham only)