Album Review: Effigy Of the Flowing Tears by Eleanor

Dylanna Fisher
Dec 29, 2024
3 min read

An Immersive Journey into Gothic Metal with the Album Effigy of The Flowing Tears by Eleanor

Eleanor, the Japanese Gothic metal band, returns with their fifth album, Effigy of the Flowing Tears, a haunting blend of melancholic melodies, powerful rhythms, and deeply emotional themes. Known for their atmospheric style, Eleanor has perfected their sound, mixing dark, introspective lyrics with intricate musicianship, all while staying true to their unique Japanese roots. This album highlights the band’s evolution, bringing both heaviness and beauty together in a way that will captivate listeners and leave them yearning for more.

Eleanor: The Band’s Distinctive Sound

Eleanor, formed in Osaka in 2006, has built a reputation for crafting deeply atmospheric Gothic metal, and Effigy of the Flowing Tears is the perfect example of their growth within the genre. While influenced by European bands like The Gathering and Sentenced, Eleanor has firmly proved its own identity by combining melancholic Gothic elements with Japanese sensibilities. The result is a dynamic and emotionally charged listening experience.

Album Review: Effigy Of the Flowing Tears by Eleanor

A standout feature of Effigy of the Flowing Tears is the vocal performance of Shiori Vitus. Her voice shifts from delicate and ethereal to powerful and intense, capturing the heart of each song. Tracks like “Insomnia” and “Alone in the Dark” display her ability to convey raw emotion, her voice carrying listeners through moments of turmoil and passion. The intricate guitar work of Ippei J.M. and Naoki complements her vocals, weaving dark, melodic textures that amplify the album’s emotional depth.

Masaki’s drumming and Jet Rumi’s percussion and chorus work add further layers to the music, creating a rich, immersive atmosphere. Together, the rhythm section blends seamlessly with the band’s complex arrangements, adding depth without overshadowing the other elements of the music. Songs like “Blinded” and “Hope” stand as prime examples of the band’s ability to balance heavy, brooding sounds with moments of delicate introspection.

Track Highlights

Several tracks on Effigy of the Flowing Tears demand special attention. “My Last Words” opens the album with intensity, setting up an emotional journey that continues throughout the track list. “Still Remains” poignantly reflects on loss, while “Awaken” offers a sense of melancholic hope amidst the darker tones.

“Insomnia” stands out as one of the most intense tracks on the album, capturing the theme of inner turmoil with its crushing energy and dark atmosphere. “Alone in the Dark” continues this trend, featuring Shiori’s compelling vocals that soar over brooding instrumentation. The brief yet powerful interlude “Midori” provides a moment of reflection before the album builds to its final track, “To Inferno,” which closes with an explosive energy, offering a cathartic conclusion to the emotional journey.

Track list

My Last Words (03:59)
Still Remains (04:03)
Alone in the Dark (03:44)
Awaken (05:25)
Insomnia (05:24)
Midori (01:10)
Destrudo (04:14)
Hope (05:43)
Blinded (04:34)
To Inferno (03:12)

Final Thoughts

Effigy of the Flowing Tears is a beautifully crafted album that shows Eleanor’s evolution as a band. Each track is a testament to their skill in blending atmospheric elements with emotional depth, making this one of their most compelling works to date. The band’s ability to marry heaviness with melody, darkness with light, makes this album a must-listen for fans of melancholic Gothic metal. For those who appreciate emotionally driven, atmospheric music, Eleanor’s latest offering will undoubtedly resonate long after the final track fades.