ELYOSE
Évidence
Independent
ELYOSE’s fifth album, “Évidence”, solidifies the French duo’s reputation as trailblazers in the nu-metal and gothic metal genres. Seamlessly blending Anthony Chognard’s razor-sharp riffs with Justine Daaé’s hauntingly ethereal vocals, the album is a masterclass in balancing raw intensity with atmospheric beauty. Sung almost entirely in French, “Évidence” captures a unique emotional depth while pushing the boundaries of modern metal. Independent and fiercely original, ELYOSE delivers a record that feels as innovative as it is deeply personal.
The opening track, “Mission Lunaire,” sets the tone with a futuristic sound that’s reminiscent of early Linkin Park, evolving into a modern twist on nu-metal. The layered instrumentals and Justine’s evocative voice immediately draw the listener in, showcasing a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly different. Justine’s vocal qualities – a blend of sweetness, power, and emotion – evoke comparisons to Floor Jansen while establishing her own unique presence.
The second track, “Tentatives Échouées,” ramps up the atmospheric elements, adding a tech-heavy edge and subtle talk-rapping from a male band member. The intricate layering – particularly the percussive section near the song’s end – adds depth without distracting from the song’s core. By “Étoile Solitaire,” the repetitive nature of the nu-metal formula begins to surface. Despite this, the spoken segments and vocal layering inject a melancholic tension that revitalizes the track’s momentum.
The mid-album highlight, “Théogyne 2.0,” offers a slower, grander experience with a beautiful melodic line and haunting vocal harmonies that demand attention. Justine’s layered vocals elevate this track, making it one of the standout moments on the record. Similarly, “L’écho des Délices” experiments with operatic metal influences three-quarters of the way through, resulting in a unique fusion that feels distinct yet cohesive within the album.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Ascension Tracée” provide a welcome reprieve from nu-metal heaviness, leaning more into melodic and gothic elements while maintaining ELYOSE’s signature sound. The interplay between fast guitar riffs and atmospheric keyboards recalls elements of Floor Jansen’s technical projects. The true highlight of the album, however, is “Prête au Combat,” which begins with an atmospheric synth and drums before introducing haunting Arabic-scale vocalizations. This track’s balance of melody, rhythm, and innovation makes it a memorable centerpiece.
The album’s closing tracks, “Immuable” and “Rise And Reclaim,” solidify the emotional arc. The former features classical-inspired synth melodies and striking operatic vocalizations, while the latter builds tension through unconventional time signatures and dynamic structuring. “Rise And Reclaim,” the album’s sole English track, provides a powerful conclusion that leaves the listener eager for ELYOSE’s future releases.
Overall, “Évidence” is a dynamic and captivating album that grows stronger with each track. While the early songs risk feeling redundant, the latter half’s diversity – from operatic touches to melodic explorations – ensures a well-executed shift in tone. The album’s futuristic, electronic elements feel especially relevant in today’s technological age, echoing the genre’s roots in late-90s nu-metal while embracing modern innovations. ELYOSE’s ability to balance haunting melodies, atmospheric keyboards, and down-tuned guitars with Justine’s evocative voice creates a signature sound that stands out in the current metal landscape.
ELYOSE stands out by beautifully blending elements of multiple metal sub-genres, delivering some of the finest elements of gothic and operatic metal with a confidence and creativity few others dare to explore. “Évidence” is a bold and thought-provoking musical journey that highlights their artistic growth and firmly establishes them as one of metal’s most innovative acts.
Angela Ambrose