AMONG THESE ASHES – Embers of Elysium

Among These Ashes are a melodic power / thrash metal band from Detroit, Michigan. Their debut studio album, Dominion Enthroned (2022), a concept album inspired by current issues in modern society, was initially released independently, and rereleased later under the band’s current label, Alone Records. For their second album, Embers of Elysium (2024), they shook things up a little by having only the final four tracks (minus the bonus track) part of a concept titled, “Chronicles of the Obsidian Reign.” The first eight tracks have no relation to each other whatsoever, but they still tackle real world issues such as war, politics, and identity. Embers of Elysium was mixed and mastered by Matt Roach, the album cover was designed by Jason Cessna, and the lineup that plays on the album includes Richard Clark on guitars, Jean-Pierre Abboud on lead vocals, Dylan Hamann on guitars, Kane Bochatyn on bass guitar, and Kyle Wagner on drums.

Heavy Topics and Heavy Music

Once getting past the tasteful, but not necessary title track, which is basically a two minute instrumental, “Serpents Among Rats” starts up the engine and pushes the speed limit to 100. The Rob Halford screams, the ripping bass lines, and the barnstorming double kick drum work set the vibe perfectly for the dark lyrics about corrupt politics. However, there’s also lots of melody with the backing harmonies and ear candy guitar solos. “Faceless War Machines” tackles the negative impact of war and going in without mental preparation. There’s an underground vibe to it that resonates with misfits and metalheads combined. More killer bass work and excellent guitar playing.

“Of One Blood” goes more in the positive route, as the lyrics encourage listeners to fight and conquer the divide. Little bit of power metal and a little bit of thrash metal. It’s also worth noting that Abboud sounds like James Hetfield. So, think Death Magnetic (2008) and onwards version of Metallica. “Stronger Than Death” also leans towards the positive and hopeful route. The chorus is insanely catchy and despite the different time signatures throughout, it’s one of the few commercial tracks on the album. “The Undertow” is another one of the commercial tracks, as it’s the “ballad” on the album. As a bonus track, the band recorded a version of it with Brooke Rousseau on lead vocals, which works better than the official studio version because of Rousseau’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. “The Enemy in I” is a fun, slow headbanging track, despite the sad but true lyrics. The song forces listeners to face their inner demons and breakaway from what’s been holding them back all along, themselves.

Final Assessment

The instrumentation, including the criminally few acoustic bits, are good and props to the band for not shying away from sensitive topics that few dare to touch upon. The bass playing and drumming are incredible, and make the album a fun listen, at least for the first half. Ironically enough, the last four songs on Embers of Elysium, the ones that are part of a concept, are the ones that hinder the album the most. It has nothing to do with the musicianship, instead it has more to do with the direction and lack of focus. The extended jams drag out the songs unnecessarily to the point where everything starts blending together. That’s not to say the first eight tracks are perfect either, but overall, the jam sessions and lack of focus hinder Embers of Elysium greatly. It all depends on the listener, however, so if curious, give the album a try.

Album Tracklist

1. Embers of Elysium
2. Serpents Among Rats
3. Faceless War Machines
4. Of One Blood
5. Stronger Than Death
6. Storm Within
7. The Undertow
8. The Enemy in I
9. Through Ethereal Voids
10. The Hybrid Bloodline
11. A Presence Unknown
12. The Obsidian Reign
13. The Undertow (Bonus Track, Featuring Brooke Rousseau)

Band Lineup

Richard Clark – guitars
Jean-Pierre Abboud – lead vocals
Dylan Hamann – guitars
Kane Bochatyn – bass guitar
Kyle Wagner – drums