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The Fundamental Paradox

    
       
       
       
     
             
Elusion are a symphonic metal band from Belgium formed in 2015, releasing their debut album 'Singularity' in 2019, and sophomore album 'The Fundamental Paradox' in 2023.    
             
Formed by guitarist Domingo Smets (ex Ancient Rites), Elusion are a melodic symphonic power metal band with a twist! A twist that will come clear in just a moment - courtesy of the bands lead singer Evy Verbruggen. Opening song '...In Love And War' comes flying outta the gate at a hundred miles an hour, adopting the classic feel of European power metal, with the added touch of symphonic metal vocals. And then without warning, Evy starts singing harshly, with a growl that'd be at home on a death metal record! Well that definitely took me by surprise - I hadn't heard any Elusion songs before, so didn't know what to expect, although I'm sure fans of the band probably did! And the harsh vocals are not just limited to 'The Fundamental Paradox's first song - they reappear many times throughout the album!    
             
Picking up the pace, 'Chiaroscuro' maintains the albums electrifying intensity, introducing a more soaring vocal performance, but retaining the harsh vocals too! Elusion - and Evy in particular - amazing me with their sound! Now I've listened to thousands and thousands of bands during four decades of listening to metal and rock, and methinks I have never heard a band quite like this. Not only are the vocals incredible, but the mix of metal styles are insane too - symphonic, power, traditional, and a little death too! 'Acrimonious' is heavier than either of the opening two songs, losing none of the albums infectious streak, keeping ears tuned in to the power and pizzazz of the bands root, and unique, signature sound.    
             
And for the first time, a serene mood descends upon the album - but not for long! 'Adversity' turning into a thundering all out head banger of a tune, with soaring and harsh vocals working in perfect harmony...from the same singer! If you're looking for an album with a unique twist on the traditional symphonic power metal sound, look no further than the second release from Belgian metallers Elusion. With an upturn in energy, power and pace, 'Science / Fiction' takes off with a gallop and an infectious level that's simply sky high. The head bang ability too - insanely addictive. I defy anyone to not be rocking their heads back and forth to this one! What a song, what a band, what a wonderful time to be alive - there's just so much great metal around at the moment. Slowing down the pace and tempo, the band are in mellow mood for 'From The Woods To The Water' - a mix of balladry and hymn-like nuances filling the air. Lighters and arms will be raised to acknowledge the songs serenity and bursting at the seams emotion - yet the band still manage to throw in some harsh vocals too! During a ballad! Insane right!    
             
Lightning quick pace sets the album ablaze in the mighty shape of 'In Balance' - a ferocity laden gallop of all out metal. The mosh pits of the world are gonna love this one, wrecking necks and crunching bones with total abandon. For 'In Balance' is worth all the pain for the sheer enjoyment of a glorious slice of head bang-able power metal - and at over six minutes in length there is plenty on offer to enjoy! Keyboards lead the way as 'Isochronism' slow burns into life, taking on a cinematic ambience as it gets going, throwing down a short "terminator" menacing moment - and if you don't know what I mean by that, just take a listen to the film score for The Terminator franchise, and more specifically, the climactic ending to the intro for the second film! I remember it oh so well. And as for 'Isochronism' itself - a fusion of hymn-like brutality and ballad-like serenity. Elusion bring the album to a close with the heaviest punchy song on offer, 'Deafening Silence' building a crescendo of hammer-like devastation, bringing harsh and angelic vocals crashing together to give the listener one final flourish of the bands unique sound.    
             
Overall, a heavy hitting symphonic power metal march of the most majestic and infectious kind.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Hard Life Promotion    
             
Review is also featured at Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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