Overshadowed by the untimely death of lead singer Sabine Duschner, Elis’ “Griefshire” is standard-fare goth metal with female vocals, highlighting Duschner’s smooth, graceful voice and the band’s penchant for straightforward, yet epic compositions.

For the most part, “Griefshire” packs a heavy punch, with the band loading up on bursts of double-bass and crunchy guitars. This is most evident in album opener “Tales From Heaven Or Hell,” “Show Me The Way” and “The Burning.” Perhaps the most touching moment of this record comes in the form of “Forgotten Love.” A classic ballad if there ever was one, Duschner serenades like a songstress from the '50s or '60s over a bed of carefully selected piano notes and swooning violins.

This is not the end for Elis, as the band has decided to carry on with a new singer. These guys have developed into a really solid goth metal band, one that should be able to forge ahead even without its songbird. Most definitely recommended to the flocks of goth metal aficionados.

» napalmrecords.com