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"With a thorough concept, sometimes bordering on prog, "Secretum Secretorum" is a beautiful moment of sensual and racy music, which charms the ears and soothes the senses."
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3/5
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Elfika is a symphonic metal band born in 2010 under the impulse of Manu (bass) and singer Laure Ali-Khodja. The band produced a relatively well-received demo, then two years and a few staff changes later, started writing its album produced by Didier Chesneau (Headline, Attraction Theory), "Secretum Secretorum". ( Secrets of Secrets ) This record inspired by the medieval treatise of the same name, between occultism and politics, oscillates between intensity and sweet melodies.
From the very first moments of 'So Human', the band asserts its rock side, with energetic rhythms, a powerful voice and lyrical colours. Even if 'The Chamber Of Secrets' had introduced the record like the soundtrack of a movie (crystalline notes, melodramatic piano and symphonic climax), it's to better pick up the listener with 'So Human', an energetic track worthy of Kamelot. 'Broken Wings' raises a wind of revolt, the suave and charming voice in contrast reminiscent of 'Strangers On A Train'. 'The Other' has a tender and fragile voice, worthy of Hannah Stobbart from The Wishing Tree. 'Angel' with its grandiose backing vocals is reminiscent of Visions of Atlantis or Within Temptation, with its square riffs and energetic drums.
'Dark Virgin' is a progressive journey in four acts. The first ('The Prayer') is a Hail Mary as collected as Schubert's. Then the sky darkens and splits in two ('From Heaven To Hell'). Religious choirs begin the track, a grunt voice seconds the female voice. We think about Orphanage or Epica but here the result is not at the same level because the singer is not very comfortable. 'Revenge', between symphonism and flamboyant gothic, unveils an almost soothing rhythm, even if the guitar delivers warmth and tension. 'Redemption' is full of twists and turns: an introduction by voice and piano, a power surge with multiple variations, a ride that skims the prog, a moment of silence that splits the track, a solitary dissonant six-string from Symphony X ("Divine Wings Of Tragedy")...
"Secretum Secretorum" is an energetic and melodic album with discreet symphonism. Elfika puts forward the essence of metal and rock of the genre, focusing on raw energy. The album reminds the most beautiful moments of Headline of which he is the worthy successor and heir. This work with a thorough concept, sometimes bordering on prog, is a beautiful moment of sensual and racy music, which charms the ears and soothes the senses. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. The Chamber Of Secrets
02. So Human
03. Angel
04. The Other
05. Broken Wings
06. Dark Virgin Part I: The Prayer (ave Maria)
07. Dark Virgin Part Ii: Form Heaven To Hell
08. Dark Virgin Part Iii: Revenge
09. Dark Virgin Part Iv:Redemption
10. Inferno
LINEUP:
Laure Ali-khodja: Chant
Manu P: Basse
Anthony Parker: Guitares / Invité
Axel Thomas: Batterie / Invité
Constance Amelane: Invité / Choeurs
Didier Chesneau: Guitares / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
-/5 (0 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.5/5 (2 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH ELFIKA
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OTHER REVIEWS
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