Elder - Through Zero - review
Elder - Through Zero - review
Tracklist
01. Sigil To Ruin02. Capture/Release
03. Through Zero
04. Strata
05. Sight Unseen
06. Blighted Age
A review by
musclassia June 13, 2026
Between the middle of 2019 and end of 2022, Elder released two albums, an EP bordering on album length, and a further collaborative album with Kadavar. It’s an impressive streak, particularly considering the band were separated by the Atlantic during Covid and Nick DiSalvo also launched his Delving project. In the three-and-a-half years following Innate Passage, side-projects Delving and Weite have remained active, but only the Liminality / Dream State Return EP came from the main band, so Through Zero marks the end of a relatively quiet period in terms of Elder’s studio output. Perhaps they took stock in the meantime, as one can hear aspects from across the preceding decade seeping into this album’s DNA.
Through Zero is not conceived as a single-song album by any means, but with largely seamless transitions between tracks, it is an album that feels primed to be appreciated as a singular whole, and it is one that is easy to get lost in the lush soundscapes of. Consistent with the previous few releases since The Gold & Silver Sessions, the album takes their progressive/psychedelic stoner rock/metal sound in an increasingly fluid, improvisational and synth-heavy direction. At the same time, there is a recurring ‘big riff’ heaviness that exceeds what was present on Omens, and arguably also Innate Passage.
A heaviness of a different kind is encountered at the beginning of the album. The record’s production is once again excellent, and an uncharacteristically pummelling bass and drum groove pounds out the speakers in the opening moments of “Sigil To Ruin”. This song is nonetheless more jubilant than furious in tone, with some delightful meandering and occasionally duelling lead guitars, tranquil groovy soundscapes and hard rocking riffs. Although it opens with thunder, it is a typically slow burn for Elder, growing to a huge, storming climax of bruising distortion and warbling synths.
Through Zero is the kind of album that is full from front to back with moments of elite quality; it may not perhaps have an absolute stone-cold classic stunner of a song such as “Lore”, “Sanctuary” or “Halcyon”, but it would also be a futile effort to attempt to go through the album pointing out every standout moment. Still, certain songs do shift towards the forefront of one’s attention, and “Capture/Release” is an early gem. The bright, airy groove it strides forward with has a hint of whimsy to it, and the chorus is a fun romp of driving distortion and brash keys, while the second half is a delightful display of Elder’s high-octane instrumental pyrotechnics, from the fierce riffs to the dizzying lead guitar noodling, with warbling synths swirling around as an extra element of the raucousness.
Later on, “Strata” opens with keyboard serenity, drives forth with purpose in its chorus, and then kicks into action with classic Elder-style guitar noodling amidst meaty riff action. Later, the beefy snare/tom-exchanging drum pattern that underpins the synthy and noodly second half of the song is dizzying yet electrifying, and it segues seamlessly into a massive, engrossing wall of blissful volume. “Strata” is masterful, albeit pure unadulterated Elder; “Sight Unseen” offers surprises to go with its quality. I have seen several reviews make reference to classic Yes when discussing the keyboards on this album, but the particular tone of the bouncy synths/electronics that emerge around the 3-minute mark of this song remind me more of Ozric Tentacles, or even psybient like Globular. It’s a fascinating new sound from the band, and one that slots seamlessly into the prog/psych rock framework of the track.
I’ve noted in the past my concerns about DiSalvo’s vocals as the weak link of Elder, particularly on Omens; while they’ve not changed to the extent that those previously distracted by them will no longer have that obstacle, the vocal structuring and delivery feels more oriented towards his strengths. They are front and centre particularly in mellow acoustic-led closing song “Blighted Age” and sound at home on what is an unusually understated and tranquil song in the Elder discography.
Looking at the band’s wider discography, Through Zero serves as an encapsulation of the group’s journey since arguably Lore; while it doesn’t immediately dislodge that album or Innate Passage at the top of the totem pole for me, it is a resounding success and another glowing addition to an enviably strong discography.
Written on 13.06.2026 by
Written on 13.06.2026 by
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I really liked this album actually. The big riff heaviness is real. The vocals might not be perfect but it doesn't diminish the album's quality, as you said. They continue to be a very consistent band.
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Not as good as their last two albums and previous EP but I am liking it more and more with each listen. Thanks Matt for the review.
---- rekt
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