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Blog Categories all music news Elf Queen - Requiem - Reviewed By Metal Digest!

Elf Queen - Requiem - Reviewed By Metal Digest! Wednesday December 14 2022, 10:13 PM

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Elf Queen - Requiem - Reviewed By Metal Digest ! Check it out here at this link: https://metal-digest.com/2022/09/23/elf-queen-requiem/

My friend and colleague Helen Wilson recently reviewed Elf Queen’s EP, ‘Breathe Out Fire.’ Whatever your thoughts, forget them all. ‘Requiem’ is a complete departure and a remarkable triumph that only stems from the purest emotion. Inspired by the tragedy of his fiancé’s passing, lyricist Hauk Heimdallsman created a masterful retelling of Norse Eddic poems. Not remotely a Metal album or even Rock for that matter, ‘Requiem’ is lush, orchestral and beautifully imagined. Filled with fantastic imagery, an enchanting string ensemble, and utterly arresting choral and vocal performances,this album is truly majestic.

Even without context, the music is profoundly emotional and impactful. There are a few key moments of cinematic bombast, but largely the album is comprised of sparse arrangements, each instrument is given space to breathe and speak. (Elf Queen) Kelsey’s captivating vocals alternate between songbird and sing/speak. Her delivery is emotive and urgent yet uplifting. This is especially demonstrated in “Voluspa, pt 5.” Kelsey doesn’t strive to be another Floor Jansen or Lori Lewis; she is, well…The Elf Queen. Perhaps her voice belongs somewhere between the first EP and ‘Requiem.’ As long as she is within the same fold, astounding music will certainly follow. There is a palpable sense of unity amongst this band. Magic happens here.

Though derived from horrific circumstances, the music herein dances a delicate line, balancing grief and despair, but also offers hope and resolution. ‘Requiem’ is a rare and wondrous find that will speak differently to each listener. - Metal Digest

Release Date: July 28th

FFO: Therion, Tristania, Sirenia, Norse Gael, 20th Century Art Music

Location: Los Angeles

Short Bio: In November of 2021, LA based Heathen rock band Elf Queen had just released their debut album "Glory to the Brave". At the same time, Hauk Heimdallsman, guitarist and songwriter, was in the hospital, holding his fiance Josies hand while she passed away. Grief is an all-encompassing part of the human experience, and Hauk threw himself into writing a work to honor his lost love. Using his own retelling of the Norse Eddic poems Voluspa, Havamal, Voluspa en Skamma, and Hrafnagaldur Odins, Hauk composed a Heathen Requiem that tells the story of Odin seeking answers from the Seeress after the death of His own son Baldur. Featuring the soaring vocals of the Elf Queen Kelsey, and solo violin, viola, flute, and oboe, the Requiem weaves equal parts classical art music, skaldic poetry, and hard rock/metal into a complex journey of grief, life, death, magic, and beyond.

Check them out on YouTube!