EL - Elusion

El 

Elusion
self-released; 2014

3..6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

When I saw the album cover for Elusion by EL I thought that if their music was half as wicked as the cover than we would have some decent music on our hands. The music lives up to the album cover in the form of visceral metal that comes at you fast and hard. Elusion is the debut EP from a four piece of veteran musicians. The band is comprised of Jason Prichard (lead vocals, drums), John Banks (guitar, vocals), Justin Beemer  (guitar, electronic devices) and Samuel Lersch  (bass).  You think playing guitar and singing is hard, try playing drums and belting one out. It’s a rare occurrence and when you see drummers singing it’s usually just background vocals. It’s not like these are simple drumbeats. The drums are complex, hard-hitting beats that would be difficult to play whether you were singing or not.

One thing that needs to be mentioned is the band recorded the songs with Ralph Patlan (notable credits include Jetsam, Megadeth, and Jamie Foxx) and the aesthetic results are fantastic. I love being able to crank a metal album that still sounds warm. The album doesn’t overwhelm you with high-end frequencies that are apparent on a copious amount of metal records. 

Elusion is a fairly straightforward but well written metal record. The first song “SKIN OUR KNEES” is a solid tune with perhaps the catchiest, memorable chorus on the EP. Prichard sings, “And now comes the chance for stars to shine obscure the darkness with their light / Leaves will fall the bear will sleep / And awaken in the spring.” “80%” is a hefty track at seven-plus minutes but shows the dynamic versatility of the band. It’s a roller coaster ride where they explore intense double bass driven mayhem, guitar solos and even a breakdown section that has hints of reggae.

“DOOMSLAYER” is inspired by end of the world hysteria every generation seems to feel is around the corner and the energy of the music conveys that feeling. Don’t miss the end of this song. “THE ILLUSIONIST” serves as a soft bass driven atmospheric piece that segues into the closer “THE CAVE.” The band sticks to straight up metal on “THE CAVE” and in some way reminded me of ISIS.

This album has some flaws but nothing major. Elusion will be easily accepted and embraced by fans of metal and hard rock but most likely won’t turn anyone who isn't into the genre. Very solid start and looking forward to hearing more.

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