Elixir - All Hallows Eve
Those not familiar with Elixir (UK) would be advised to check out their strong back catalogue. Formed in 1983, this is a NWOBHM/Heavy Metal styled outfit that have worked their nuts off in recent years, starting up the amazing British Steel Festival in the UK in 2006, they are avid supporters of “Clive Aid” and collaborate with many friends and bands along the way to celebrate a common interest, and to make sure no one forgets this glorious genre! One claim to fame is that Iron Maiden’s ex-drummer Clive Burr recorded with the band for a period of time prior to an 11-year hiatus for the band from the scene.
Right up to the modern day, the opening tune ‘All Hallows Eve’ gallops into action, all the hallmarks of classic British metal come to the forefront, the twin guitar attack with many harmonies and the strong real singing voice of Paul Taylor, make this a very welcome intro to what you will hear to be quite a special release. The band has gone a touch heavier, with more in your face guitar work, whilst maintaining their cohesive arrangement technique and musical wizardry. It is quite apt that I sit and write these thoughts, indeed on all hallows eve (also the release date), which brings me onto the pagan ritual of ‘Samhain’. This is Elixir’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, or “Moonchild” (if you know King Crimson), a true rock epic, laced with many ideas and riffs, based around an original poem written by guitarist and producer Phil Denton. With a self-recorded album, comes an Elixir that is more experimental, but there is no weird electronic crap here, experimental in a metal way, and also including a theremin of all things! This track never dulls your senses or makes you wander during its 14-plus minute duration, a remarkable epic number. Straight ahead rockers like ‘Midnight Messiah’ (debuted at British Steel IV in 2009) and ‘You’re Not Fooling Me’ bring out the brash, the bold and the voice, whilst giving the listener a solid foundation on which to nod ones head in appreciation. While not essentially based on a loose concept theme of four of the tracks, these ones do not feel out of place. The whole album flows and appreciation of that once great (and still is great!) but not forgotten NWOBHM still reigns supreme.
This is the album that ‘Maiden should have released this year. Elixir have dropped an amazing recording upon the metal community that is probably, one of their best albums to date. Make sure you check out the label and buy this glorious British Metal release. Elixir have upped their game and, to quote one of their older tunes, are “Knocking on the Gates of Hell”, never underestimate Elixir or write them off, ‘All Hallows Eve’ is one of the releases of the year.
Right up to the modern day, the opening tune ‘All Hallows Eve’ gallops into action, all the hallmarks of classic British metal come to the forefront, the twin guitar attack with many harmonies and the strong real singing voice of Paul Taylor, make this a very welcome intro to what you will hear to be quite a special release. The band has gone a touch heavier, with more in your face guitar work, whilst maintaining their cohesive arrangement technique and musical wizardry. It is quite apt that I sit and write these thoughts, indeed on all hallows eve (also the release date), which brings me onto the pagan ritual of ‘Samhain’. This is Elixir’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, or “Moonchild” (if you know King Crimson), a true rock epic, laced with many ideas and riffs, based around an original poem written by guitarist and producer Phil Denton. With a self-recorded album, comes an Elixir that is more experimental, but there is no weird electronic crap here, experimental in a metal way, and also including a theremin of all things! This track never dulls your senses or makes you wander during its 14-plus minute duration, a remarkable epic number. Straight ahead rockers like ‘Midnight Messiah’ (debuted at British Steel IV in 2009) and ‘You’re Not Fooling Me’ bring out the brash, the bold and the voice, whilst giving the listener a solid foundation on which to nod ones head in appreciation. While not essentially based on a loose concept theme of four of the tracks, these ones do not feel out of place. The whole album flows and appreciation of that once great (and still is great!) but not forgotten NWOBHM still reigns supreme.
This is the album that ‘Maiden should have released this year. Elixir have dropped an amazing recording upon the metal community that is probably, one of their best albums to date. Make sure you check out the label and buy this glorious British Metal release. Elixir have upped their game and, to quote one of their older tunes, are “Knocking on the Gates of Hell”, never underestimate Elixir or write them off, ‘All Hallows Eve’ is one of the releases of the year.
1. All Hallows Eve
2. The Pagan Queen
3. Daughters of the Moon
4. The Spell
5. Midnight Messiah
6. You’re Not Fooling Me
7. Samhain
2. The Pagan Queen
3. Daughters of the Moon
4. The Spell
5. Midnight Messiah
6. You’re Not Fooling Me
7. Samhain
