GORGON - Elegy CD

Implementing oriental elements and sound samples into metal music is nothing new. Orphaned Land might be one of the most prominent names that have used this formula to a great extent and other bands like Arrayan Path or Myrath have produced great records with such influences. I am always a bit skeptical whenever a band tries to go down this path. Too often the end result sounds a bit disjointed as if the oriental and symphonic details had been added in the final stages of recording as some kind of gimmick.

Gorgon are a French band being active since 2013 and “Elegy” is their second full length album. Their first one “Titanomachy” got a few mixed reviews and while I have not listened to this one I would assume that they made a huge step forward with their latest opus. “Elegy” is very pompous and opulent filled to the brim with exotic elements and dramatic soundscapes. That being said this record is an impressively coherent listen and I never had the feeling that any of the pieces had been tacked onto the tracks just for the sake of it. It seems as if Gorgon have crafted each song carefully exactly knowing which detail to use in which moment.

The basis are quite familiar riffs with the trademark chords sounding very reminiscent of some Scandinavian melodic death metal bands. There are a few tremolo pickings to be found as well lending the whole affair a subtly blackish nature. Epic lead harmonies are omnipresent in the background and there are also a few tasty soloing sections for fans of extended guitar playing. The drumming is impressive and very intense and while most of the songs are kept in mid- or faster tempo you will also find a few calmer sections giving the listener a chance to breathe.