Elenion – The Symphony of the Night | Progressive Rock Central.com

Imagine…a metal band attempting to play an album of operatic music…on their debut album? Gutsy, huh? Yah, but Elenion is up to the challenge! The debut album, for this Argentinean band, The Symphony of the Night, will be released on, the night of nights: Halloween Night, on October 31st of this year!

Elenion is an international symphonic metal band formed in 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They have band member musicians from across North and South America, Europe, and Asia; who blend operatic vocals, heavy riffs, orchestral arrangements, and global influences to create a mystical and immersive sound. They like to say they play “World Metal.”

The band’s lineup includes Berenice Piceda, (from Argentina/Italy), on lead vocals, bass, Lyre, whistles, and orchestration; Icaro Ravelo, (from Brazil/Portugal), on drums and orchestration, guitars, and keyboards; Kublai Kapsalis, (from Turkey), on lead guitars; and Eric Aguilar, (from Mexico), on keyboards.

Berenice Piceda is a true soprano, who has worked on some operas but now prefers mixed vocals. She was also the President of the Tolkien Society, locally. And, “Elenion,” is a word taken from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language, which means “of stars.”

Elenion’s long-awaited debut, will be released worldwide on October 31, 2025 — a symbolic date that reflects the dramatic essence of the record. It is conceived as a true initiation, blending five languages, (English, Spanish, Latin, Greek, and German); along with world-inspired textures, and diverse guest voices into a single immersive journey. The album and project is inspired by the Pythagorean concept of the “Music of the Spheres.” The albums’ sound includes, Baroque and classical music; film soundtrack, sounding scores; folkloric, Middle Eastern, Celtic and Greek traditions; Brazilian and Argentine rhythms; and ethereal New Age sounds. The music is so multi-cultural that it includes progressive, power, djent, and folk metal. Yes, it definitely is world metal.

The Symphony of the Night, will also include an impressive list of guest vocalists, including, Juli Hope, vocalist of the band Abstracted Mind; Drake Chrisdensen, vocalist of the band Rains of Elysium; and Nedy Gomez, vocalist of Abyss Nox. Their voices intertwine on both timbral and thematic levels.

The Symphony of the Night, will be the first chapter in the band’s passage through the “Music of the Spheres,” a concept that will span across future releases. The album unfolds as a conceptual exploration of the many dimensions of darkness; the mythical, the poetic, the emotional, the divine. It gives voice to what has long been hidden and silenced, transforming it into music. Each composition reflects a different facet of the nocturnal realm: the dichotomy of shadow and starlight, obscurity and transcendence, reflection and renewal, stillness and transformation, intimacy and grandeur. Their music merges operatic vocals, powerful riffs, and epic orchestral arrangements with influences from global traditions. Inspired by spirituality, mysticism and philosophy, Elenion crafts immersive soundscapes that journey between shadow and light, intimacy, and grandeur.

Instrumentally, the album features orchestral arrangements that stand as works of art, in their own right, drawing from academic music traditions.

“Starborn,” opens the album with wonderful piano and a multitude of choirs. The metal rock churns with drums, bass, electric guitars, orchestration and the lead of the choirs. A soundscape to rock them all! Then, we hear Berenice Piceda’s beautiful soprano voice sing, “In the deepness of the night. We can see, we can hear, we can feel, we can be. Imperare sibi maximum imperium est. The five-pointed star will lead us home. The unison where we belong. To the bright stars we sail, craving their cosmic trail.” She reminds me of Marialena Trikoglou, from Mystify, one of the few true sopranos I know. She sings, “Break through the ciphered waves and defy this grey veil. In the deepness of your soul. It is asleep, it’s awake, it’s alive, it’s arrived. In the deepness of the core. We’ll be gone, don’t hold on. Don’t you know we’re the dawn? We’re the universe, the sibylline vale. Dead and reborn in this ever-going tale. Find and behold. The Beginning and the End.” An over 6-minute anthem of powerful female singing amidst an enlightened choir and orchestra of metal. Simply one of the most powerful pieces of music I’ve heard this year.

“Carpe Noctem,” Which literally means, “Seize the night!” Make the most out of the pleasures of the evening. Berenice Piceda and Juli Hope duet on this song and it is magic to hear. They sing, “Silence your mind, and let the primal source flow. The music of the night, the harmony that grows. Beware of pompous flashing lights that distract your soul. Solely in the perpetual splendor of distant stars serenity glows. Don’t be afraid, in this search together we will roam. The unknown is just an epiphany that waits for you alone. Only in subtle whispers you’ll find wisdom from long ago. Come with us and delight in this ancient song. A symphony of echoes composed by an ancient lore.” They sing as the metal thumping of drums and grinding electric guitars are surrounded by a symphonic orchestra of sound. The neo-classical sound of the melodies are so wonderful to hear, rather than the normal pounding of repetitive metal themes. The sound is so pure, as if you were sitting in a theater in Athens or Rome, listening to a symphony played live. At times it even sounds a little like holiday music, because it sounds so regal and inspired. The organs that play at the end are genuinely magnificent.

“Conqueror of the Sky,” opens with harp chords, before the metal symphonic orchestration takes over. This song opens with choirs, orchestration and male vocals at first. Then, the ladies join in. They sing, “Pedes in terra ad sidera visus. Audaci volatu. Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt. Cum puer audaci coepit gaudere volatu. Caelique cupidine tractus. Altius egit iter. A sacrifice against all advice. A reckless act to flee from a baneful trap. A unique device to pay the unholy price. To leave this maze and set your heart ablaze. Rise, conqueror of the sky, forever fly.” The story reminds me of the ancient story of Icarus and his pursuit of flight with wings, too close to the sun.

“Invocation – The Ancient Devotion I,” is full of whirling winds, with fires burning. Female whispering and orchestration fill the air. Berenice Piceda and the female choir repeat, the names of some Greek Gods, “Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inanna Inanna, Diana,” as thunder and rain ensue.

“The Wild Goddess – The Ancient Devotion II,” opens with Greek being sung by Berenice Piceda and the female choir, “εὔδρομε, ἰοχέαιρα, φιλαγρότι, νυκτερόφοιτε Κλῦθί μου, ὦ βασίλεια, Διὸς πολυώνυμε κούρη,” with orchestration. She continues, “In the middle of the night. Home of my mind’s delight. I feel light feet resounding. The infinity of thy sight. A boundless world so nigh. A wild heart pounding. In white thou shine, pure jewel of the night. In the trace of silver dust. A mystery so just. The silent song of a heart. Whose passions may combust.” All of this beautiful singing is supported by a choirs, programming and orchestration.

“Queen of the Night (Der Hölle Rache),” Is a close to 3-minute aria cover, from Mozart’s opera Der Hölle Rache, part of the classical opera story, The Magic Flute. The lyrics are in German, and Berenice Piceda, who I mentioned has been in some operas during her career, demonstrates her abilities perfectly, by handing some very demanding vocal notes and melodies. One of the best songs on the album.

“A Sailor’s Tale,” opens with slow plucked guitar, strings, orchestration, and Berenice Piceda singing, “Across dreams, visions stun me. Across lifetimes your essence remains. And I cry, asking the stars the reason why. For this life has no meaning if you’re not by my side.” Drake Chrisdensen enters to sing, “Ages ago by a promise we were bound. A sacred vow to always find each other. Against raging storms and veiled mists that smother.” Berenice Piceda joins him and the duet, together sings the rest of this story. “We would always sail, to finally see our divine love crowned. Incessant tides, hearken my oath. Dark seas of time cannot hide this amaranthine love. Oceans of distance cannot defy this holy bond. Through eternity memories haunt me. Across infinity I hear your heart pounding. And I fight, asking the Gods what horrors we must atone. For a twin flame agonizes burning alone. I’ll cross lands and seas to find my beloved prose.” A love song filled with two great vocalists bringing this ancient story to life, with the support of orchestration, metal guitars, bass, and drums, within a soundscape full of symphonic organs and metal orchestration.

“Himno a Los Caidos,” is a hymn or anthem to those who have fallen, in combat. It opens with bold orchestration and piano. This song is sung in Spanish, by guest vocalist, Pablo Arrieta. He sings, after a serenade by the choir, along with Berenice Piceda, “Por los que en lucha han caído. Eternamente nos alzaremos. Por los que su vida han dado. Haremos retumbar los cielos.” A powerful anthem of remembrance, accented by strong drums, choirs, and orchestration.

“An den Mond,” is a choir filled poem, sung in German by Berenice Piceda, and a supporting choir. It is a little under a minute long, and reminds me of being in church or at a theater watching a symphony or opera. The translation means, “To the Moon.” It is the title of a well-known poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, also famous as a lied, or German song by Franz Schubert.

“The Hunting,” opens with powerful metal orchestration, with driving drums, electric guitars, bass, and roaring choirs. Berenice Piceda sings, “Deep in a forest out of time. I sense a force taking over my mind. Night’s mesmerizing eyes that pierce. Oh, with a might so primordial and fierce. Deep inside me. I know. That fate shall hunt me now. Still, I’m marked by thy seal. Deprived of a life to conceal. In a dream… I succumb to thee, dark hunter.” A powerful story of a night chase through a forest in the darkness; set to a symphonic metal soundscape.

“The Last Dark,” opens with pounding drums and orchestration. Berenice Piceda sings with power, as the electric guitars roar and the orchestration follows. She sings, “My blood might fall. My end might call. My light might die. But your mysteries will be all mine. Come, sweet child, dare to gaze into the abyss. Hide in my arms, and so everything begins. I dissolve into this illusive and hallowed sleep. Free of mortal limits, I see every fear. Consume these earthly dice. There’s no rise without sacrifice. Cover me, boundless cloak.” There is a male, growling voice that follows her through most of the song.

“The Symphony of the Night,” is the five-part, epic masterpiece of a closer, that you and I were hoping to hear. It features the vocals of guest singer, Nedy Gomez. The over 12-minute track is the longest song on the album. It is separated into five parts. “Part I- Inception,” is an instrumental track, that charges the battery and gets things well under way. There seems to be some kind of Middle Eastern, or ancient instrument like a sitar playing at the opening that is just divine. Berenice Piceda adds beautiful vocalizations to this opening piece.

“Part II- Beyond the Veil,” opens with Nedy Gomez and soft drums, while the backing metal soundscape surrounds. Nedy Gomez opens the singing, “In the deepness of the night. Over and over, her secret sign. A song that never ceases to exist. Oh, shall you ever dare to sing?” Berenice Piceda sings, “Hearing the call she fears fervently. Aching for the forbidden liberty. Sweet wisdom, a cruel fate’s testament. Oh, shall you endure the punishment? Domine, exaudi oratinonem meam. Et clamor meus ad teveniat. May the stars be forevermore your guide. The moon, your beloved mother. This tune, your hidden shrine. May the darkness be your ethereal father. Its desire, your will’s only bride. The unknown, your passionate love. And your master, the symphony of the night.”

The epic track continues with, “Part III- Of Freedom and Death,” Berenice Piceda sings, “She mustn’t love the divinity, only fear it. Her fragile hands must be folded. Completely blind her radiant eyes. Oh, shall you ever dare to rise?” Nedy Gomez sings, “Now in these godforsaken lands. Not on her knees she demands.” Berenice Piceda returns, “Where art thou, my creator? To my soul I’ll never be a traitor. For all of them I am unworthy to live Oh, I won’t beg to be finally free!” Domine, exaudi oratinonem meam Et clamor meus ad teveniat. May the stars be forevermore your guide The moon, your beloved mother. This tune, your hidden shrine. May the darkness be your ethereal father. Its desire, your will’s only bride. The unknown, your passionate lover. And your master, the symphony of the night.”

“Part IV- The Endless Sands of Divine Hate,” opens with Middle Eastern orchestration, then heavy drums as the two singers join to sing, “Now the stars are forevermore my guide. The moon, my beloved mother. This tune, my hidden shrine. Now the darkness is my ethereal father. It’s desire, my will’s only bride. The unknown, my passionate lover. And my master, the symphony of the night.”

“Part V- Initiation In These Endless Sands,” opens with Berenice Piceda singing and speaking the lyrics, “In these Endless Sands eternity unfolds. In this trace it’s myself and infinity alone. From whence I beseech this finale is bestowed. And forevermore this graceful opus composed. Constant uncertainty of life troubles me no more. As I surrender my soul to the undisclosed marvels I behold. My eyes shall perpetually shine with these stars all aglow. Thus if thou seek for me, seek for these things I so adore. This excelse symphony written eternities ago. Apertum est templum. Dei Audivi in caelo vocem magnam. Ostende mihi faciem tuam. Now the stars are forevermore my guide. The moon, my beloved mother. This tune, my hidden shrine. Now the darkness is my ethereal father. It’s desire, my will’s only bride. The unknown, my passionate lover. And my master, the symphony of the night. The End is nigh…”

Wow! How elegant and elaborate is Elenion’s The Symphony of the Night? It is amazing in every way. First, for a new band to attempt to accomplish a full 12 song opera/symphony; then to include so many illustrious and well composed stories of ancient lore. This is definitely, one of the most researched, prepared, planned, composed, recorded, and executed albums of the year. It is at an Ayreon level of production. Elenion worked out every detail in this elaborate presentation, before they released this first stage of their unveiling, to the world. Their debut. This is only the beginning people! I can’t wait to see and hear where they are going to go from here. ‘Chapter One,’ has been a great adventure to review. I am so proud and delighted that we are all lucky enough to be able to experience metal bands like Elenion, Belle Morte, Hartlight, Secret Rule, Psychic Equalizer, Pythia, Time’s Forgotten and Canvas of Silence. These bands are trying to push the bounds of metal music far beyond the expectations of their fans and listeners. Keep up the great work attempting to create concept and historic albums that will be remembered throughout time. Keep setting the bar higher like each of these bands have done this year, and keep jumping over that bar. I can’t wait to interview this band soon. Please get and listen to Elenion’s first metal opera symphonic, The Symphony of the Night, and enjoy every minute of this…soon to be epic album.