This
is an album that I discovered recently, and I was really surprised by their
sound, their music quality and their compositions; not to mention that they are
from Greece. Because there is a possibility that their
name doesn’t mean anything to most of you, it is better to begin by writing
a few info about the band:
Chrysilia
is a Symphonic/Folk Metal band based in Athens, Greece. Initially a concept
child by musical actress & Rock performer Chryso and composer/keyboardist
Elias Pero (ex-Sovereign), this quickly evolved into the formation of a band
consisting six experienced members. A few months ago, they released their debut
album Et in Arcadia Ego, which as I wrote above, I discovered almost a week
ago.
I can’t say that the “modern” Metal scene is
my cup of tea, but this album just blew my mind! Where to begin? From the
really good compositions; the “catchy” melodies and the great guitar riffs; or
the presence of electric violin? Another very important element is the wonderful
female vocals by Chryso, the band’s singer, which gives another dynamic to
their sound.
All members of Chrysilia are excellent and professional
musicians, that they know their instruments very well, and that is something
that becomes obvious when you are listening to this album. Another fact I
really liked is that, they draw their themes and inspiration from the vast
Ancient Greek mythology, which is very interesting to say the least. (And
familiar to me). (For those who may wonder, I should say that Arcadia is a
mountain area in the Peloponnese region in Greece).
If I would have to find a band that Chysilia
reminds me of, I would say Nightwish without a second thought. Just replace
the Scandinavian themes with Ancient Greek ones, and you are almost there. But
further than the lyrics, Chrysilia’s music is more romantic and more mellow in
many parts. (Always in comparison with Nightwish).
But let’s see how the band itself describes this
album: [Our music could be vaguely described as soundtrack metal, having
influences from different music genres, ranging from folk, jazz and musicals to
power metal. The main theme here is having clean-cut, catchy tunes, no matter
how heavy or complicated is the musical background. It’s like listening to a
motion picture soundtrack, but on the hard n’ heavy side. Lyrically, this is a
concept album based on the idea of Arcadia, as this was depicted in the
Renaissance as the dreamland that our souls travel in the afterlife or just by
achieving a higher state of intuitive enlightenment. Our album, however, has a
metaphorical meaning. It is a journey in time and fantasy, myths and reality, fairy
tales and politics, life and death itself, through the eyes of a girl growing
up: Her name is... Chrysilia].
Judging from my reaction, there is a great possibility that Et in Arcadia Ego will be included in my Top-10 list with the best albums of 2017.
Favourite songs (so far): By the Gates of Ypsus / The Menalon Trail / Desperate Wings / Arcadia / Chrysilia / King of a Stellar War (cover).
This is a really great and enjoyable album!
Try to find and listen to it!
Here's a few samples for you:
Where to begin?
