In Valour
Emerging from three months holed up in a practice room and out into the dazzling realm of the UK alternative music scene, Watford-based newcomers Elysium come brandishing a blend of driving post-hardcore melody and modern metal clamour with their debut EP In Valour.
Ignoring the usual overblown press release that hails them as UK riff tyrants, the music fortunately manages to speak for itself. Nothing particularly stands out over the course of the four tracks, yet thanks to tight performances all round and some solid songwriting, the EP holds together well for the most part. The songs do start to show their prominence when the band drop the mainstream metal and concentrate on delivering driving melody, and the duo of Scars and Boy that make up the second half of the EP shine brighter as a consequence. The inclusion of for-the-sake-of-it breakdowns comes across as uninspiring and even disappointing, especially for a band who have already proven they really don't need them. The flow of I'm A Thief But I Keep What I Steal is ruined by a pointless breakdown that lacks, well, everything. Vocalist Shaun Taylor is a solid singer, and the backing harmonies add an impressive dimension to the music.
If In Valour proves anything, it's that Elysium excel when it comes to melody and the more post-hardcore facet of their sound. Tight as a unit and clearly capable of writing memorable songs, all they require now is a bit of luck to help them on their journey.