Eluveitie – Everything Remains As It Never Was

Origin : Switzerland

Genre : Folk / Melodic Death Metal

Release : 2010

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Eluveitie’s “Everything Remains As It Never Was,” released in 2010, stands as a pivotal moment in their discography, a meticulously crafted fusion of brutal death metal aggression and the evocative tapestry of Celtic folk. This album eschews the more overtly melodic and accessible leanings of some of their later work, diving headfirst into a primal, untamed soundscape. It’s an exploration of historical weight and raw power, where ancient battle cries collide with the guttural roar of modern extremity. The production, while retaining a certain organic grit, is significantly more polished than their earlier efforts, allowing the intricate interplay of instruments to breathe and resonate with a potent, almost visceral impact.

Track Analysis:
“Otherworld” erupts with a blistering pace, Chrigel Glanzmann’s signature growls a tempestuous force against a backdrop of relentless blast beats and razor-sharp riffing. The melodic interlude, featuring a haunting hurdy-gurdy melody, serves as a brief respite before the storm reclaims its dominance, showcasing the band’s adeptness at contrasting ferocity with atmospheric depth. “Everything Remains As It Never Was” itself is a masterclass in dynamic shifts. It builds from a brooding, almost doomy intro, punctuated by tribal drumming, into an explosive onslaught of tremolo picking and complex rhythmic patterns. The vocal delivery is particularly potent here, conveying a sense of desperate urgency. “The Helvetian” is a more straightforward, anthemic track, driven by a driving, mid-tempo rhythm and a memorable, albeit brutal, vocal hook. The inclusion of bagpipes adds a distinct martial flavor, evoking images of ancient warriors marching to battle. “Crossroads of Fate” leans into a more progressive sensibility. The song weaves intricate guitar harmonies with punctuated bursts of polyrhythmic drumming. The folk instrumentation, particularly the tin whistle, is integrated seamlessly, creating a sense of mystical journeying. “Kingdom Come Sunrise” is a shorter, more aggressive piece, a pure adrenaline surge characterized by its relentless energy and raw vocal power. The breakdown section is particularly crushing. “The Call of the Mountains” offers a moment of stark beauty. It’s a predominantly instrumental track, allowing the raw power of the folk instruments to take center stage. The melancholic flute melodies, set against a sparse acoustic guitar, paint a vivid picture of windswept landscapes. “A Rose for Epona” is a powerful ballad, albeit one delivered with Eluveitie’s characteristic ferocity. The clean vocals, used sparingly, create a striking contrast with the underlying growls, adding a layer of emotional complexity. The fiddle melody is particularly poignant. “Thousandfold Grandeur” is a sprawling epic, a journey through diverse sonic territories. It features blistering guitar solos, intricate instrumental passages, and a relentless vocal assault, all woven together with a palpable sense of grandeur. The hurdy-gurdy solo is a standout moment, showcasing its raw, untamed character. “The Silver Sister” is a more atmospheric and brooding track, building tension with its slow, deliberate pace and haunting vocal chants. The folk instrumentation is used here to create a sense of ancient ritual. “Inis Mona” is an absolute powerhouse, a relentless barrage of speed and aggression. The folk melodies are woven into the fabric of the metal, creating a whirlwind of sound that is both exhilarating and overwhelming. The final track, “The Mists of Avalon,” closes the album with a sense of epic finality. It’s a powerful, building anthem that incorporates elements from throughout the album, leaving the listener with a profound sense of having traversed a vast and ancient landscape.

Conclusion:
“Everything Remains As It Never Was” is a testament to Eluveitie’s mastery of their craft. It’s an album that demands attention, rewarding repeated listens with its intricate detail and unyielding power. The band successfully navigates the challenging terrain of blending extreme metal with authentic folk instrumentation, creating a sound that is both unique and compelling. This is not an album for the faint of heart; it’s a sonic expedition into the heart of ancient battle and enduring spirit.