Having strayed for many years along the dark path, it is refreshing to finally discover some positive and hopeful music that still doesn’t give away at the brutality. Lykathea Aflame – now known as Lykathé – might have the most positive outlook in my record collection, but they still grind their most gore-obsessed opponents into a pulp, asking for and receiving forgiveness afterwards.
At the bottom of all that is Elvenefris, we find quite technical deathgrind. Tom Corn, responsible for the “Blasters of Ra”, is a veritable octopus, grinding away at insane velocities – God praise gravity blasting! The vocals are ordinary guttural pig-style grunts; a bit tiresome at lengths, but thankfully mixed up with spoken voices and melodic singing. Intense riffing is interlaced with clear ethnic melodies, all very beautiful; think Nile yet much more passionate. The songs ascend and descend dynamically, reaching euphoric heights, cascading into joy. And even though the music is violent, Lykathea Aflame still lets the spirituality in the lyrics shine (truly shining!) through, music and words working in unison.
Lykathea Aflame is, in the mind of Ptoe (vocals/guitar/lyrics), a “symbolic expression for spiritual evolution”, and Elvenefris is a higher state of Lykathea. Reaching a higher state of spiritual existence is what Elvenefris is about, to achieve harmony through understanding, reconciliation, compassion. Yes, it is religious, but it is never dogmatic or theological (except some subtle messianic references). Combined with the layout – ancient Mayan, Egyptian and Oriental symbols – you receive a feeling of arcane and forgotten wisdom, older and wider than the biblical religions. The opus ends with a very long yet beautiful ambient piece, with birdsong and bells chiming over soft choirs and strings, at points resembling Enya. Ma’at is the Egyptian goddess of justice and harmony, and it is a moment for afterthought and relief, to achieve harmony, and to contemplate upon the greatness that is Elvenefris.
-aVoid
VITALS:
Release: 2001
Label: Obscene Records
Avantgenre: Euphoric Spiritual Deathgrind
Duration: 01:12:08
Origin: Czech Republic
Official site: http://www.myspace.com/lykatheaflame
Review online since: 30.06.2007 / 23:02:26
TRACKLIST:
01. Land Where Sympathy Is Air
02. To Become Shelter And Salvation
03. Bringer Of Elvenefris Flame
04. Flowering Entities
05. To Give
06. On The Way Home
07. Shine Of Consolation
08. Sadness And Strength
09. A Step Closer
10. An Old Man And A Child
11. Walking In The Gardens Of Ma’at
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