Elegeion - Biography
Biography
The idea behind Elegeion was initially conceived during 1993 by Anthony (guitar / bass / vocal). After playing a few of the songs in another band throughout 1993 and 1994, Elegeion finally materialized at the beginning of 1995 under the name Transcendence, consisting of Anthony and James (bass).
1996 saw the release of the demo of epic proportions "Induction to eternal rest..." which gave rise to interest from several European labels, tape traders and magazines worldwide. 1997 saw the demo's release on MCD by CANDLELIGHT records under the title "Odyssey into darkness", aptly described as "gothic / classical metal with the emphasis on trance-like, hypnotic riffs with powerful operatic female vocals and mournful violins". Subsequent reviews and advertising promotion followed in such magazines as Terrorizer, Metal Hammer, Psycho, Grind Zone, Aardshock, Metallion, Close Up, Hard Rock, Ablaze and metal/underground fanzines. Sales of the demo were in excess of 2000 units.
In 1998/99, rehearsal tapes and a demo of the new album was recorded. Line-up changes occurred in 2000 resulting in Elegeion consisting solely of the main songwriter Anthony Kwan. With a lack of Australian musicians who sympathized with this direction in music, the rest of the line up consists of friends (Natasha and Dieudonnee on vocals) and session musicians on drums / percussion, cello, violin and piano. Having undying passion and conviction behind the concept and direction of Elegeion, Anthony believes that working solo with selected musicians who are masters of their trade has proven to be the strongest and most effective line-up yet, although Dieudonnee and former member James have contributed to the new album, and a band has been formed for live performances.
The year 2000 saw Elegeion travel interstate and enter the supreme Nesci Recordings studio for two months to independently record the ultra-emotive epic album "Through the Eyes of Regret". Recorded, mixed and produced by the eccentric old man Tony Nesci, of Henry Rollins, Chalice and Long Voyage Back fame, the album has a world standard production, full of warmth and character.
In 2002, Elegeion recorded an as yet unreleased single "For Blacker Things". In March 2004, Elegeion entered Nesci Studios again to record their 3rd epic "The Last Moment", due out November 2004. The Album takes you deeper into the bands unrelenting descent into the boundless pit of despair. Just like the Loch ness Monster, this band rarely raise their heads above the black murky depths to bring an offering to the surface. Despite this, you will see that this new account of the Elegeion journey is well worth the wait, featuring supreme artwork by Travis Smith of Katatonia, Death and Opeth fame, Justin from Chalice on lead guitar and members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
The quest of Elegeion is to discover a beauty. One that transcends the boundaries of aestheticism. One which is expressed through sound, and captures the purest of all emotions, and delves through the darkest recesses of the mind. Elegeion attempts to capture the savagery, torment and solitude of this emotion through natural resonance and reverberation to achieve a brilliant, vast atmosphere. This music is for those seeking to surpass the musical ambit and redefine its boundaries.
Although this quest may never be ultimately achieved, it will never be abandoned. Hopefully, it can only inspire and temporarily satisfy the ears of those searching for the ultimate emotive experience...but until then, listen...
Contact: elegeion@yahoo.com
Information provided by the band
1996 saw the release of the demo of epic proportions "Induction to eternal rest..." which gave rise to interest from several European labels, tape traders and magazines worldwide. 1997 saw the demo's release on MCD by CANDLELIGHT records under the title "Odyssey into darkness", aptly described as "gothic / classical metal with the emphasis on trance-like, hypnotic riffs with powerful operatic female vocals and mournful violins". Subsequent reviews and advertising promotion followed in such magazines as Terrorizer, Metal Hammer, Psycho, Grind Zone, Aardshock, Metallion, Close Up, Hard Rock, Ablaze and metal/underground fanzines. Sales of the demo were in excess of 2000 units.
In 1998/99, rehearsal tapes and a demo of the new album was recorded. Line-up changes occurred in 2000 resulting in Elegeion consisting solely of the main songwriter Anthony Kwan. With a lack of Australian musicians who sympathized with this direction in music, the rest of the line up consists of friends (Natasha and Dieudonnee on vocals) and session musicians on drums / percussion, cello, violin and piano. Having undying passion and conviction behind the concept and direction of Elegeion, Anthony believes that working solo with selected musicians who are masters of their trade has proven to be the strongest and most effective line-up yet, although Dieudonnee and former member James have contributed to the new album, and a band has been formed for live performances.
The year 2000 saw Elegeion travel interstate and enter the supreme Nesci Recordings studio for two months to independently record the ultra-emotive epic album "Through the Eyes of Regret". Recorded, mixed and produced by the eccentric old man Tony Nesci, of Henry Rollins, Chalice and Long Voyage Back fame, the album has a world standard production, full of warmth and character.
In 2002, Elegeion recorded an as yet unreleased single "For Blacker Things". In March 2004, Elegeion entered Nesci Studios again to record their 3rd epic "The Last Moment", due out November 2004. The Album takes you deeper into the bands unrelenting descent into the boundless pit of despair. Just like the Loch ness Monster, this band rarely raise their heads above the black murky depths to bring an offering to the surface. Despite this, you will see that this new account of the Elegeion journey is well worth the wait, featuring supreme artwork by Travis Smith of Katatonia, Death and Opeth fame, Justin from Chalice on lead guitar and members of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
The quest of Elegeion is to discover a beauty. One that transcends the boundaries of aestheticism. One which is expressed through sound, and captures the purest of all emotions, and delves through the darkest recesses of the mind. Elegeion attempts to capture the savagery, torment and solitude of this emotion through natural resonance and reverberation to achieve a brilliant, vast atmosphere. This music is for those seeking to surpass the musical ambit and redefine its boundaries.
Although this quest may never be ultimately achieved, it will never be abandoned. Hopefully, it can only inspire and temporarily satisfy the ears of those searching for the ultimate emotive experience...but until then, listen...
Contact: elegeion@yahoo.com
Information provided by the band