Eleine – United We Stand | Metalheads Forever Magazine
When I first critiqued Eleine’s ‘Dancing In Hell’ a few years back, the band was still a quartet. Fast forward to today, and they have evolved into a dynamic trio, with two guitarists taking center stage but without a bassist and drummer. The heart and soul of the group remain the founding duo of singer Madeleine Liljestam and guitarist/singer Rikard Ekberg. Following their fourth album in 2023, ‘We Shall Remain’, Eleine released a series of singles, leading up to the upcoming EP ‘We Stand United’, set to drop in September. The promotional material for the EP starts off with powerful words, describing Eleine as empowering, brutal, and captivating, setting the stage for what’s to come.
The EP kicks off with a one-minute intro, which seems questionable considering the brief total runtime. And to add to the mystery, the intro is composed of only sound effects. While it might have been more impactful to start off with a short song or dive right into the lone new track, ‘We Stand United’, it does not disappoint. This song truly showcases Eleine’s strengths, blending hard-hitting Metal with epic grandeur, and highlighting Madeleine Liljestam’s commanding vocals. Unlike many of her counterparts, she belts out powerful mid-range notes, occasionally complemented by Rikard Ekberg’s growls. The EP also features two live recordings from the Masters Of Rock Festival 2024, ‘Never Forget’ and ‘We Are Legion’, where Eleine’s stage prowess shines. The symphonic version of ‘Promise Of Apocalypse’ closes out the collection, showcasing Madeleine’s vocal range and versatility.
With only one new track on the EP, it’s hard to assign a rating. However, one can only hope that this teaser serves as a precursor to a full-length album in the works. As fans eagerly anticipate what Eleine has in store next, the EP serves as a tantalizing glimpse into their musical evolution and artistry.
All in all, Eleine’s ‘We Stand United’ is a brief but impactful offering, highlighting their musical prowess and captivating presence. With promises of more to come, fans can only wait in anticipation for what Eleine has in store for them in the future.