Guitarist Finn Windsval kicked off his cinematic prog-metal venture ELDING in 2017 and, now, it is time to welcome their mighty, independently released debut EP “The Encroaching Malice Part 1,” due out on March 14th, 2025, at long last. Over the years, the list of collaborators that have fleshed out Windsval‘s vision in the studio has been quite an awe-inspiring cavalcade of musicians from bands such as STRATOVARIUS, TRACEDAWN, FINNTROLL, and CROWNSHIFT. Now, he has gathered a full-blown band around his vision, featuring Aleksi Kärkkäinen of REIGNITED on vocals, Thomas Tunkkari of DARK SARAH fame on drums, Tony Helander on bass and vocals, and, imported from Australia, John Emslie on guitars. The music is a highly immersive mix of brutal, slow-crushing riffs, symphonic flourishes, and ethereal, cinematic soundscapes. The EP is comprised of two 7-minute epics and two film score-esque instrumentals. The longer of the epics was released as a teaser ahead of the EP release. The decision to release a 7-minute single in this modern age of digitally induced AD/HD is always a good sign!
The first cinematic instrumental, “Unclaimed Heritage” leads to a real, brutal beast of a prog-metal banger aptly entitled “The Beast Cometh.” There is a subtle aura of something essentially Nordic in the song’s riffages, on occasion recalling the sound of BORKNAGAR, or even DIMMUR BORGIR. Yes, there are some really nice blast beats, too. Then, the next thing you know, the riffs and drum rolls take off on an almost groove-metal-tinged tangent. It’s funny how 7 minutes can go by without you barely noticing. The harsh vocals sound particularly impressive.
Next, the other, a tad shorter cinematic instrumental, “Swelling of the Tides,” leads into the epic single. Entitled “Solace in Oblivion,” this monolith is an even more versatile endeavor. The first half of the song alternates between delicate, piano-driven sections and brutal riffs that resonate with the thick, dark aura of doom metal, nicely reminiscent of SWALLOW THE SUN. The piano sections feature also Eveliina Lähdevuori on vocals. Then, the latter half is prominently more gloomy, a slow-crushing descent into the darkness, with those lovely, doom riffs doing the heavy lifting. Perfection.
So, even though 8 years is one hell of a long time to wait for something, ELDING‘s masterful debut venture leaves no room for doubt that it is well worth the wait. As an introduction to the band’s craft, “The Encroaching Malice Part 1” is a compelling and succinct show of strength that leaves us wanting more.
Written by Jani Lehtinen
Tracklist
- Unclaimed Heritage
- The Beast Cometh
- Swelling of the Tides
- Solace in Oblivion
Lineup
Aleksi Kärkkäinen – vocals
Finn Windsval – guitars
John Emslie – guitars
Tony Helander – bass, vocals
Thomas Tunkkari – drums
Label
Independent
