Elyose – “Évidence” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Elyose is a cutting-edge Nu Metal / Nu Goth band from France. They have released their fifth album Évidence, on January 10. Yes, I wrote fifth album. So why have I not heard of this band already?

We’re going to remedy that question today and in their upcoming interview. This band is hot, and especially with music that moves you and will not allow you to sit still. They merge razor-sharp riffs with hauntingly ethereal vocals.

Elyose is made up of a French duo, comprised of guitarist and producer Anthony Chognard (ex-Smash Hit Combo) , and vocalist Justine Daaé (The Erinyes). I did do a review of The Erinyes, back in 2022: https://progressiverockcentral.com/2022/09/21/the-erinyes-debut-the-erinyes/

Their sound is so punchy and at the same time emotional. Justine’s evocative French lyrics and Anthony’s dynamic songwriting deliver a unique blend of raw power and atmospheric beauty. Proudly independent, Elyose has released four full-length albums and an EP, showcasing their commitment to artistic freedom and originality.

“Mission Lunaire”, will get you out of your seat and up dancing, or whatever you do at a concert. The lyrics are all in French, but you really don’t need to know what Justine Daaé is singing, because it sounds so elegant anyway. French, really is the world’s most elegant language. That’s not just my opinion. They have won many global polls to back it up. But hearing a beautiful woman sing these lyrics, with incredible punching drums and unhuman keyboards is absolutely amazing! Take it to the bank, I’m sure this song is a show opener as well as the opening of the album and the Évidence of Elyose ability. A lunar mission I think you will truly enjoy, without leaving the ground.

“Tentatives Échouées”, or (Failed attempts), picks up where the opener left off. No time to sit down. You can rest later. Or as the saying goes, “you can sleep forever when you die”. This is music that brings out the youth in anyone that hears it. Full of life and visual trajectory. Justine Daaé knows how to project her voice beyond the power packed music and Anthony Chognard’s growling vocals. He does some throughout the album, but is not a distraction. Justine rules with that tender voice. She can rap with the best of them, and does a little on this track.

“Étoile Solitaire”, or (Lone star), is not a Texas romp at all. This has all the powerful accents you are used to hearing in metal melodic songs throughout time. But it is Justine Daaé that helps sets this sound apart from the others. She also narrates a little, just after the middle of the song, and you hear the words resistance, and you can almost visualize her running through the streets of Paris during the Revolution! “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,”

On “Théogyne”, they show how much they know their history. Justine sing about Hesiod (8th–7th century BC), a poem describing the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods. Only she does it in her own unique way. Watch the video for more.

“L’écho des Délices”, or (The echo of delights), is another pulsating keyboard and drum metal showstopper. It starts slower, but picks up its pace as it rocks on.

“Ascension Tracée”, or (Traced ascent), is a little slower, and full of more clarity from Justine’s voice. There are fewer crashing drums and power keyboards than the rest of the album.

“Prête au Combat”, or (Ready for combat), lives up to its title. It opens with marching drums, electric guitar and keyboards full force. Justine is ready to provide powerful vocals as well. This would make for a very visual music video, if they ever make one.

Put the kids to bed before you watch the video for “Immuable”. (Immutable), or “unable to change over time”. The story of a black widow – like woman that takes men back to her home to kill them. The song opens with some very cool keyboards, then more power chords and runs. Justine tells the story with glorious vocals. This is the best song on the album. The most creative song containing a visual story; a very dark story at that.

“Abnégation”, or (Self-Denial), opens with punctuated keyboards at first. Then, the repeated, “wall of sound’. Justine takes over and sings solo, before more firehosed keyboards, drums and guitar.

“Rise and Reclaim”, opens with beautiful keyboards and orchestration. This is the only song on the album sung in English. Justine does a great job singing in English, but I think I enjoyed her native language more. But, this is the second best song on the album. A power jam full of similar soundscapes as the entire album, but the keyboards are far more innovative. They turn off the firehose of sound long enough to give Justine some space to sing without accompaniment, and it is wonderful.

Elyose’s Évidence, was a wonderful surprise, when I found it searching the Internet for new bands to review. They are a good band, making interesting music, that is well supported by their fanbase and four other albums. You don’t get to make five albums if you’re not doing something right. And Elyose is. They understand the perfect formula. Just give Justine the front of the stage and fill the soundscape with sounds she can use to create an emotive visual experience. Justine Daaé looks like someone out of the Original Tron movie, or a futuristic femme fatale, from a planet off world. I like Elyose’s Évidence, for no other reason than it sounds different. A change. If you want to hear something heavy, and full of emotive spirit, then Elyose’s Évidence, will satisfy your curiosity. Like it did mine.