Eleine – Dancing in Hell

Label: Black Lodge   Playing Time: 50 Min    Release: 27th November 2020

Eleine are not very well known in Germany (and I guess this is the same in most other European countries, too). This could be a matter of the fact that this Swedish band is still quite new. Their first self-titled debut album was released in 2014, but its symphonic metal did not leave a lasting impression. However, Eleine were openers for some tours with well know bands like W.A.S.P, Moonspell and Arch Enemy.

Shortly, their 3^rd album “Dancing in Hell” will be released. And you can notice that the band still combines riff-based Heavy Metal with symphonic elements. On top there is the clear voice of founder Madeleine “Eleine” Liljestam. In comparison to many other bands in this genre, Eleine sound darker and also more brutal. This is a result of those Metal riffs and growls which are used in several songs (e.g. ‘Crawl From The Asches’). But it is also a matter of the fact that the band does not use overly sweetened melodies, which are actually the basis of the sound that many other bands in this genre have been using. In return, the lack of catchy tunes also implies a certain lack of ear candy quality, which is my biggest point of criticism. There are only a few choruses and a few melodies that stay with you a bit longer. ‘Memoriam’ and ‘All Shall Burn’ are such exceptions.

All in all, “Dancing in Hell” is a solid album, but due to lacking catchy tunes not more. It is therefore also a bit monotonous. The album’s biggest plus is the bombastic production.  Friends of Symphonic Metal should give this band a try anyway and develop their own opinion – also check out the video clip below.

www.eleine.com