That’s exactly what you can expect from Elysion’s debut album "Silent Scr3am." It’s 45 minutes of dark and dreamy atmospheres, abundant musical hooks, and melodies so addictive you’ll hit the "repeat" button after each track. But, that’s not all that’s delicious (metaphorically speaking) about Elysion’s music. What surprised me after just one spin of "Silent Scr3am" is its overall execution. For starters, the quality of the songwriting and musicianship is excellent. Founder and main composer Johnny Zero doesn’t place too much emphasis on his guitar and keyboard skills, allowing the band as a whole to shine musically. Also, the production is first-rate, with the crisp final sound coming courtesy of world-renown Mastering engineer Ted Jensen (who’s worked with Evanescence, Iron Maiden, Madonna, and Nickelback – just to name a few). Finally, singer Christianna (who replaced Elysion’s original singer Maxi Nil, who is now with Visions of Atlantis) gives a striking performance behind the mic. The soul, attitude, and range she delivers will exceed any expectations you may have when the first track begins.

Speaking of first tracks, "Silent Scr3am" kicks off with a trio of great songs. "Dreamer" and "Killing My Dreams" blend soft keyboards and punchy drum loops with Elysion’s straightforward approach. Both songs have positive lyrical messages, too. The chorus for "Dreamer" starts with these lines: "I will be always a dreamer / Always fighting for more than I can have." Elysion truly hits its stride, however, with the guitar-driven "Never Forever." This song features the album’s most brilliant chorus, and the last set of refrains boasts Christianna’s most powerful performance on the album. Johnny Zero also offers some quick-fingered solos on all three tracks.

The other uptempo and midtempo numbers on "Silent Scr3am" are solid. "The Rules" starts slow and delicate, and then quickly builds into a lightly rebellious anthem. "Walk Away" is aggressive and sexy, thanks to cinematic keys, ominous riffs, and Christianna’s low whispers. The only fast-tracker that doesn’t quite cut it is "Loss." Its opening bars and first verse are promising, but after that the song feels rushed and uninspired, as if Elysion was too eager to finish it in three minutes.

Elysion also knows a thing or two about ballads. There are quite a few on "Silent Scr3am," each one adding a new twist to the band’s sound. "Bleeding" is gentle and airy with its synth backdrop, while "Weakness In Your Eyes" glides on acoustic guitars and a piano before climbing into power ballad land. And closing out the album is "Erase Me," a unique mingling of low-tuned guitars, off beats, and self-deprecating lyrics that you wouldn’t expect to hear from this kind of band. The girlish monologue that plays throughout this song gets whiny towards the end, however.

As I said earlier, there is nothing wrong with alternative metal music. It all comes down to the final product – and Elysion delivers an exceptional product. With "Silent Scr3am," this band has issued one of the most sonorous and forthright statements of musical confidence we’ve had in a while. By no means is it perfect, but any flaws are eclipsed by the outstanding melodies, unforgettable hooks, and clear production. I doubt Christianna, Johnny, and company will convert any critics of "commercial" metal. Then again, you’d be sadly mistaken not to give "Silent Scr3am" a listen. And once you do, you’ll hit that "repeat" button again… and again… and again…

Best Songs: "Never Forever," "Dreamer," "The Rules"

9.0 / 10　

You can buy "Silent Scr3am" now at the Sonic Cathedral Store. Click here for details!