Reviews

Song Review: “Final Exodus” - Elysian + Exclusive Interview

by The Metalverse

Updated November 05, 2024

Song Review: “Final Exodus” - Elysian + Exclusive Interview

Symphonic Death Metal duo, Elysian released their latest single “Final Exodus” on October 25th. The track starts off with classical-esque piano, melodic choir vocals, and orchestral strings before abruptly bursting into metal drum fills, and explosive guitar—all while continuing the songs melodic backbone. Clocking in at just over 11-minutes, “Final Exodus” introduces growling vocals around the 2:30 mark. Elysian displays impressive instrumentation that takes a bright and symphonic sound as brutal screams take the stage, alternating with dynamic scream-singing that reminds of power metal.

Elysian expertly mixes death metal elements with orchestral and symphonic tones, creating a wildly interesting amalgamation of melody and brutality. With a nostalgic classic heavy metal sound that still stays modern and unique, “Final Exodus” draws from thrash, power metal, melodic death metal, symphonic deathcore, and more to create an exciting and varied musical style. With “Final Exodus” the listener is taken on a 11-minute journey through shredding guitar solos, chunky riffs, impactful drum work, and intense vocals. Even mixing in progressive elements at points throughout the track, Elysian truly forms a distinct sound.

Fans of power metal, classic metal, death metal, and thrash are certain to enjoy Elysian’s music. You can stream “Final Exodus” out on all platforms now!

Interview

Questions answered by Elysian’s composer/guitarist Juha Kaikkonen and vocalist/guitarist Ville Viertola.

1: How would you describe your music?

“Our music is all about taking the listener to a journey. These songs have brutal parts, melodic parts, dark parts, uplifting parts etc. The atmosphere is very important. We aim to make music that takes the listener to a different place.”

2: What are the band’s biggest influences?

“Our influences come from different musical styles and genres. Of course we have listened to different kinds of metal for a very long time. For example Wintersun, Dissection, Death, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend just to name a few of our favourites. Some classical composers have also had a big influence on our music, for example Beethoven and Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.”

3: What is “Final Exodus” about/what does it mean to you?

“This song is about humanity failing to prevent an extinction level cataclysm and how they try to escape it. It's a story of selfishness and survival.”

4: How did Elysian form/when?

“Juha formed this band originally in 2011 with a different line-up but there were not any official releases back then. Later Ville and Juha met at a university studying music and the band was re-ignited. Now this new line-up with Ville marks a new chapter for Elysian and in that sense it feels like a new band. But the music is still very similar to what it used to be, so in that way it is the same as it always was.”

5: What is the story behind your band name, or how did you come up with it?

Juha: “We came up with the name back in 2011 but I don't remember exactly how it happened since it was many years ago. I think we were just hanging at our rehearsal place and thinking what the name could be and we were searching ideas on the internet when we came up with this. We thought it was a catchy name for a band and we liked the meaning behind the name.”

6: What does the band enjoy doing outside of music?