Review ELDER ‘Innate Passage’

Elder have their roots in Fairhaven, Massachusetts before a journey through different cities and countries began, which led the band to Berlin. The quartet began in 2006 and debuted with their first self-titled album in 2008. Over the years, the group has built up a loyal fan base that will surely enjoy the newest album.

Especially in Germany the band could attract additional fans through the cooperation with Kadavar, under the moniker of Eldovar; who can look forward to the new Elder album ‘Innate Passage’ these days.

Elder’s sixth studio album includes five epic songs that exceed the usual 4-minute playing time by far. It starts with ‘Catastics’, the 10-minute opener which immediately causes a pleasant feeling for the listener. Elder combine a powerful sound with more layered structures. The quartet builds on the previous albums’ sound and takes it to a new level. For the first time, the band also works with a guest vocalist, allowing for added depth. Nick DiSantos shares the vocals with Behrang Alavi and one can call this premiere quite successful.

Photo: Maren Michaelis

The album continues with ‘Endless Return’, a song that impresses at the beginning with its calmer and very soulful sound before the track gains weight and becomes a rocking masterpiece. What is striking is how many ideas the four musicians put into their tunes, which is incredibly good for the album. Listening to this record, you can dive into worlds of sound, which fascinate.

With ‘Coalescence’ we have now reached the middle part of the longplayer. The song impresses with its complexity and versatility, based on brilliant rhythms, which you can’ t stop listening to. Here, at the latest, the entire craftsmanship of the band is revealed, which is paired with a great sense of good melodies. Memories of Opeth are awakened at this point, a reference that describes the quality and fascination of Elder.

Great worlds of sound, this is ‘Merged in Dreams – Ne Plus Ultra’. Clocking in at almost 15 minutes, it is the longest track on the album. And while at the opening it is the quiet and atmospheric tones that catch the listener, it is the heaviness and rhythms that allow the song to shine in all its glory. With the sprawling instrumental passages, the track here and there also reminds of the heroes of the 70s, but always only as an inspiring element as an addition to the band’s own sound range.

With the heavy and melancholic ‘The Purpose’ this very accomplished album slowly comes to an end.

Elder successfully created a magnificent sound adventure with ‘Innate Passage’, which documents the development of the band. Great melodies, intricate structures, combined with catchiness and hard guitars, that’s what makes this album stand out. ‘Innate Passage’ is a record that asks for attention and time. Here one gets a musical menu served, which wants to be enjoyed in all its aspects.