ELEINE - Eleine - Gold & Black Splatter Vinyl

ELEINE – Eleine (Gold & Black Splatter Vinyl) 2021
Album: Debut Studio Album | Released: 2021
Genre: Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal, Melodic Death Metal
Label: Black Lion Records

Eleine, the self-titled debut studio album by the Swedish symphonic metal band ELEINE, was originally released in 2015, but it received a special 2021 reissue on gold and black splatter vinyl. This limited-edition vinyl pressing offers fans and collectors a visually striking, high-quality version of an album that helped establish ELEINE as a rising force in the metal scene, blending elements of symphonic metal, melodic death metal, and gothic influences.

The band’s unique sound on Eleine combines heavy, groovy riffs, soaring orchestral elements, and dual vocal dynamics between Heidi Parviainen's operatic soprano and guttural growls from Göran Edman, giving the album an emotional range and intensity that has made ELEINE stand out in the symphonic and melodic metal genres. The band’s ability to weave orchestral elements into their melodic death metal foundations creates an atmospheric yet aggressive sound, capturing both the epic grandeur of symphonic metal and the dark, gritty energy of gothic and death metal.

The gold and black splatter vinyl edition of the album is a visually impressive release, with the splattered effect giving the record an eye-catching appearance that matches the band’s bold, theatrical style. This reissue also offers a chance for new listeners to experience the band’s debut on a premium, audiophile-quality vinyl format, highlighting the album’s intricate instrumentation and dynamic vocals in a way that digital formats can’t fully replicate.

Track Listing:

Side A:

1. "Awakening"
2. "The Shadows"
3. "Heaven's Fall"
4. "All I Am"
5. "Till Death Do Us Part"

Side B:

1. "In Victory"
2. "Eternal Knight"
3. "Eleine"
4. "Break the Silence"
5. "A Call for Battle"

Album Highlights:

• "Awakening"
  The opening track, "Awakening," immediately sets the tone for the album with a powerful orchestral intro leading into a crushing guitar riff and dynamic vocals. The song features both operatic and growled vocals, showcasing the band’s signature style of vocal contrast. The blend of symphonic elements and metal aggression is a perfect introduction to the band's sound.

• "Heaven's Fall"
  One of the most emotional tracks on the album, "Heaven's Fall" combines melancholic melodies with heavy guitar and symphonic arrangements. Heidi’s voice takes center stage on this track, reaching dramatic high notes, while the orchestral backing adds a layer of epicness to the song’s sorrowful lyrics.

• "Eleine"
  The title track of the album is a true showcase of the band’s ability to merge their metalcore roots with symphonic grandeur. The song begins with a powerful orchestral build-up before giving way to crushing guitar riffs and the duality between the clean and growled vocals. "Eleine" serves as a powerful statement of the band’s identity and musical vision.

• "In Victory"
  A triumphant anthem, "In Victory" features some of the album's most intense and fast-paced rhythms. The track delivers a perfect combination of melodic death metal riffs, anthemic choruses, and bombastic orchestral arrangements, capturing the album’s essence of power and determination.

Sound and Production:

The 2021 gold and black splatter vinyl edition of Eleine delivers superior sound quality with the warmth and depth that only vinyl can offer. The album's symphonic elements, including strings, choirs, and orchestral pads, are given room to breathe, making for an immersive listening experience. At the same time, the heavy guitar tones and aggressive drumming are presented with clarity, allowing the metal side of the album to shine without overshadowing the more cinematic elements.

The vinyl pressing helps to emphasize the contrast between the sophisticated orchestration and raw metal energy of the album, offering a full-range, dynamic listening experience that fans of symphonic metal and melodic death metal will appreciate. The analog warmth of the vinyl provides a richer, more engaging sound compared to digital versions, especially on tracks where the atmospheric symphonic arrangements are more prominent.

Critical Reception:

Eleine was well-received by critics upon its release, with praise for the band’s unique blend of symphonic and metal elements. Reviewers highlighted the strong vocal performances—particularly Heidi Parviainen’s operatic soprano—as well as the band’s ability to balance melodic and heavy elements. The album’s powerful choruses, epic arrangements, and dark, gothic atmosphere drew comparisons to bands like Nightwish, Epica, and Delain, while also carving out a distinctive identity within the symphonic metal and gothic metal subgenres.

The 2021 gold and black splatter vinyl reissue adds even more allure to the album, both for collectors and for those who prefer the analog format. The visual impact of the splatter vinyl adds a sense of artistry that complements the band’s theatrical and dramatic style.

Conclusion:

The 2021 gold and black splatter vinyl edition of Eleine offers a chance to experience the band’s self-titled debut in a beautiful, high-quality format that highlights both the album’s musical power and its aesthetic appeal. With its symphonic metal grandeur, heavy guitar riffs, and dual vocal performance, Eleine is a must-have for fans of symphonic, melodic death metal, and gothic metal.

This special vinyl edition is not only a stunning piece for collectors but also a sonically rich way to experience the album’s emotional intensity and cinematic metal sound. For those who appreciate bold, theatrical metal, the gold and black splatter vinyl of Eleine is a perfect addition to any collection.