Elize Ryd is one busy artist. Besides her full schedule of writing, recording, and performing with Swedish stalwarts AMARANTHE, over the years she has lent her voice to multiple projects (including the incredible Raskasta Joulua and Karmaflow) and has collaborated with many artists and bands. In my 2020 interview with CONCEPTION, Roy Khan had the following to say about her: “Elize has the type of voice that can pretty much do anything” and these songs more than prove her talents. Some of these collaborations are older, some are newer, some are very well-known, and some are, unfortunately, forgotten. To sweeten the wait until “The Catalyst” is released, we have combed through her back catalog and have come up with this list of (what we consider to be) some of her best collaborations, so enjoy!
Karmaflow – The Twins (feat. Tony Kakko & Elize Ryd)
Drama, intense build-ups, wonderful harmonizing passages, chiming melodies, a dreamlike atmosphere that counterbalances a solid metal section – all these things make “The Twins” a masterclass in storytelling (as is the video’s whole soundtrack, for that matter). Everything from the backing arrangements and the vocal delivery to the smooth ebb-and-flow of the music sections enchants the ear and gets you deeper into the narrative.
Conception – The Mansion (feat. Elize Ryd)
OK, this is mostly a cameo instead of a proper collaboration, but it’s still worth listening to it as her vocals complement Roy Khan’s passionate delivery incredibly well. Add to that the dreamlike atmosphere, soulful instrumental side, and of course, her ethereal vocals that add layers of harmony and beauty to the ambiance and you have a track that can quickly make you forget your whereabouts for a little while.
Smash into Pieces – My Cocaine (feat. Elize Ryd of Amaranthe)
This is a fun song with a sorrowful subject matter as heartbreaks are always a painful life experience. Nonetheless, the duet between Elize and Chris Adam Hedman Sörbye brings the story to life in vibrant colors as the two complement and contrast each other nicely while the harmonizing parts add depth to the song. In between the electronic elements, the catchy chorus, and idiosyncratic drumming this is a banger of a song.
Dreamstate feat. Elize Ryd – Evolution
I know DREAMSTATE released “Washed Away” with Elize but this early feature holds a magic of its own. It’s catchy, fun to listen to, and fun to sing along to as the synths and guitars work well together to move the melody forward, while the vocals blend seamlessly with the instrumentals. Usually, the two are distinct but here everything follows the song’s main melody, and Elize’s vocals act either as a backup to Tommy Levine’s or as an extra layer of melody to the fold.
Gus G. (feat Elize Ryd) – What Lies Below
What we have here is two artists showcasing what they do best: Gus G. is shredding away at his guitar and delivering fun groovy riffs and Elize is singing in a pop-influenced yet confident manner. This creates a wonderful synergy that brings these melodies to life in a very magnetic way all the while combining the pop and metal elements in a smooth way. The chorus is especially catchy and easy to follow, complemented by a fiery solo and a mellow breakdown.
Timo Tolkki’s Avalon ft. Elize Ryd – Enshrined in My Memory
In 2013, Elize played the main role in AVALON’s metal opera “The Land of New Hope” which resulted in her vocals being featured on six songs alongside the likes of Bob Rock, Russell Allan, and Sharon den Adel. “Enshrined in My Memory” is another example of Elize taking center stage and carrying the song with her emotive yet powerful vocals while showcasing her range and vocal skills. In a way this song should be seen as a foreshadowing of her successful career in music as it highlights her potential and charisma.
Turilli / Lione Rhapsody – D.N.A [Demon and Angel] featuring Elize Ryd
Years later, I am pleased to rediscover (and enjoy) the duet with Elize Ryd as her and Fabio Lione’s voices contrast with each other quite well, adding layers of harmony to the song’s main melody. What I like best is that there are little to no clichés to be had here, everything is sounding so renewed and modern (for lack of better words). This being a Luca Turilli project, it goes without saying that the guitar work is perfectly executed, even if the vocals are the main focus of this single.
Nergard feat. Elize Ryd – On Through the Storm
By far one of my personal favorites when it comes to Elize’s collaborations, I believe this is what proper duets should be like. Both she and Andi Kravljaca (ex-SEVENTH WONDER) are equally involved in the vocal deliveries, their voices entwining and harmonizing beautifully, adding enough weight to the lyrics to elicit emotional responses from the listeners while the instrumental side is mellow with the piano lines adding to the atmosphere. Also, what can I say about that guitar solo from Jørn Viggo Lofstad?
Kamelot – Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife)
This featuring with not just Elize Ryd but also ARCH ENEMY’s Alissa White-Gluz has become such an icon and a staple in KAMELOT’s discography and setlist, I don’t know if there is anything left to say about it. Playing the role of an angel that came to restore peace and serenity to a troubled soul, Elize’s vocal performance is delicate and ethereal yet with an undertone of strength and resilience that perfectly complements Tommy Karevik’s haunting delivery.
Arion – At the Break of Dawn [feat. Elize Ryd]
With well over 14 million streams on Spotify and 1.8 million views on YouTube “At the Break of Dawn” is among her best and most well-loved collaborations, and for good reason. Vocally, this song offers one of her best performances ever, with long, sustained notes that complement a powerful, emotional delivery. This also brings the best out of vocalist Lassi Vääränen and their joint effort, coupled with dynamic guitar lines and thundering bass, elevates the song’s lyrical content.
BONUS: Elize Ryd & Rickard Söderberg – One by One
This wonderful song is a duet with tenor Rickard Söderberg and it was composed for the 2015 edition of Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s preselection for Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, due to a technical error, they were eliminated from the competition but Sweden still won the ESC that year with Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes.” Elize and Rickard’s uplifting duet came in 5th place in the first semi-final, and their performance is magnetic and charming, their voices blending well together.
