Search - Eli :: Darkness Will Fall

Excellent, well-crafted gothic metal/pop

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 03/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though apparently Italian Elisa Pezzuto is the front figure here, it's really yet another classy project from the ever active superinstrumentalist and composer Lars Eric Mattsson. Here not so much in his role as guitarshredder and bassvirtuoso, but more in his function as effective songwriter, arranger and producer. Certainly not a song here that couldn't have been a (MTV) hit given the right promotion (~money).



Lars Eric is also a prolific lyricist, able to give the songs the impression of being seen from a femine perspective. Reminding me in passages of October Project's Julie Flanders. And plays all instruments except the drums which once again are placed in the capable hands (and feet) of Eddie Sledgehammer. All supplemented by some finely and effectively arranged woodwinds and strings courtesy of The Astral Orchestra.



As for Elisa she's certainly a highly technically well-schooled vocalist with great range, a beautiful voice and a certain expressivity as well. At times reminiscent of the likes of Annie Haslam (Rennaisance) , Celine Dion and the great Frida of ABBA - and in fact there's more than a hint of ABBA in many of Mattsson's songs. But she does not really bring that much individuality to the proceedings. Perhaps the songs aren't quite original enough to give her the change to show more of herself. Or perhaps young Elisa has still to find her own original voice?



Fine gothic pop/rock with progressive undertones. Could appeal to fans of Within

Temptation, Nightwish or Evanescence. Or anyone into wellcrafted euro-pop with a metal edge. But if you're looking for genuine goth with a dark and mysterious heart this might not be your cup of blood."