Review ELEINE ‘We Shall Remain’

The last time I saw Eleine live was when the guys have been on the acoustic tour with Sonata Arctica. That was in autumn last year and a few months later the band returns with their next studio album.

I honestly wasn’t too much thrilled when it comes to the first three longplayers. I was more the energetic acoustic show of the Swedes that created curiosity about the new studio album which listens to the name of ‘We Shall Remain’. So let’s dig into of what the Swedes have to offer.

The starting point is a song called ‘Never Forget’ and it is a massive sound attack. Groove, power and riffing remind of the melodic death metal the Swedish way while Madeleine Liljestam’s clean vocals add the emotional aspect to the mix.

Opener and album sound modern and blends death metal growls with Lacuna Coil-like female vocals. In combination with the dramatic aspect of songs like ‘Stand By the Flame’ the four-piece band managed to achieve an individual sound that also reminds me in parts of bands like Drain STH.

The songs have been written already in 2021 und 2022 when the pandemic allowed a focus on the creation of new songs and music. It feels like the band utilizing the exceptional situation back then to channel their emotions, turn them into positive empowerment and transfer them into songs that get support by a very dense sound.

‘We Shall Remain’ features a rather brutal sound, like on ‘Blood in Their Eyes’ while a good flow is guaranteed by an interlude called ‘Vemod’. The latter is a one-minute moment of harmony before the thundering riff of ‘Through the Mist’ breaks the peaceful moment with hard-hitting riffs and deep growls.

The most unusual tune on the album is ‘War das alles’; and not only because of the German title. It is the darkest moment of the record too and hands the baton over to the title track, being the closer of the album.

‘We Shall Remain’ is an album I can recommend even if you missed the band so far. Power, drama, melodies, and an excellent sound is what helps Eleine’s to solidify their position in the fields of modern metal.