Elis Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘gothic’?

Upon first listen to Dark Clouds in A Perfect Sky, this Liechtenstein 5-piece’s second LP, one may get the impression lead singer Sabine Duenser might be taking one too many nods from ex-Theatre of Tragedy vocalist and current Leaves’ Eyes frontwoman, Liv Kristine. When you realize Liv Kristine is also the wife of Elis producer and manager Alexander Krull, the comparison might make a little more sense.

This is not really the case, though both vocalists do share similarities in their approach. They both can, and will pull out a booming soprano when needed or lull you into a mid-tempo trance.

“Der Letzte Tag”, the album opener is bombastic with even an epic solo from Pete Streit near the conclusion. It’s just how an opening track should be, and just how one would expect the last day to be treated. In total, three tracks are sung in the band’s native German, a habit also employed in their debut, God’s Silence, Devil’s Temptation.

Emotions roll from anger (guess which song that focuses on... surprisingly, it’s lighter than one might expect), to love (“Perfect Love”) to something that we all have a tendency to do, think too much (“Are You Missing Me”). Thankfully, the lyrics feel like they mean something and aren’t just there to give the non-native English speaking singer something to do.

Duenser shares the stage with bassist Tom Saxer on a couple of songs, where his extremely capable growl lends itself to the subject matter (“Lost Soul”, “Heart in Chains”, “Are You Missing Me”). Although the band on rare occasion brings Leaves’ Eyes and Atrocity, Krull’s death metal outfit, to mind, I have actually found myself enjoying Elis a whole lot more. A case of the master being taught by the student?

Beseech guitarist Robert Vintervind said in a forthcoming interview that gothic metal is really a misnomer. They’re not all wearing fishnet stockings, makeup and acting all sorts of dark and mysterious, a la Marilyn Manson or something. I mean, yeah, some are, but there’s a lot more emotion and heart to many of these bands, heart that goes beyond image. Dark Clouds in A Perfect Sky is a good example at how the gothic moniker can be embraced while not being controlled by it.