Elis (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Sabine Dünser, Pete Streit |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Liechtenstein |
| Products | Gothic metal music, albums, singles |
Elis was a gothic metal ensemble originating from Liechtenstein, established by Sabine Dünser and Pete Streit in 2003 following the 2002 dissolution of Erben der Schöpfung. The group temporarily halted operations in February 2012 after lead vocalist Simone Christinat left, but soon resumed efforts to find her successor. Ultimately, Elis disbanded to create a new project named Zirkonium, featuring Swiss singer Kathrin Schlumpf.
God's Silence, Devil's Temptation
The band began as 'Erben der Schöpfung' in 2000, releasing their single "Elis" and debut album Twilight in 2001. They established a significant presence through performances at festivals such as the Wave Gotik Festival and achieved strong rankings on the DAC-Charts. Germany's Orkus Magazine recognized them as the top newcomer of the month and later awarded them newcomer of the year in 2001.
Following their split with Oliver Falk, the band reemerged under the name Elis in 2003, adopting their former single’s title. Their album God's Silence, Devil's Temptation, produced by Alexander Krull (Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes), was released via Napalm Records, accompanied by a reissue of Twilight. Afterward, Elis concentrated on developing new songs while headlining tours alongside labelmates Eisheilig and The Vision Bleak across Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. The album drew creative influence from Trakl’s writings and benefited from the experience gained during their time as Erben der Schöpfung. In January 2004, God's Silence, Devil's Temptation topped Gothicworld.de charts, propelled by the successful single 'For Such A Long Time'.
Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky
In March 2004, Elis entered the studio once more with band manager and producer Alexander Krull to record twelve tracks for their sophomore album. Released in October 2004, Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky showcased a more refined sound from the band. The launch was supported by a music video for the opening track "Der Letzte Tag" (The Last Day). Critics often compared this album to works by prominent bands such as Within Temptation and The Gathering.
The Dark Clouds tour took place in April 2005, with Elis performing across Germany, Austria, and Belgium, supported by Visions of Atlantis and Lyriel. They debuted new material at major festivals including Wave-Gotik-Treffen and M'era Luna Festival. In October, Elis participated in a European tour alongside Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes, and Battlelore, culminating at Metal Female Voices Fest 3. This event marked guitarist Jürgen "BigJ" Broger’s farewell performance before his amicable exit. Additionally, Elis appeared on German television with their video featured on Viva’s 'Hell's Kitchen' show.
Griefshire and death of Sabine Dünser
Elis planned to release their third album, the concept piece Griefshire, toward the end of 2006 or early 2007 and aimed to tour with Leaves' Eyes and Atrocity. Tragically, on 8 July 2006, lead singer Sabine Dünser passed away due to a cerebral hemorrhage. The band declared that Griefshire would be issued as a tribute to her memory and later confirmed their intention to continue with a new vocalist.
Griefshire Era and Introduction of New Female Vocalist
The album Griefshire was initially launched in Europe on 24 November 2006 through Napalm Records, with its North American release following on 16 January 2007. On 28 December 2006, the band announced Sandra Schleret as their new lead singer. Schleret, an Austrian vocalist known for her previous work with Dreams of Sanity and Siegfried, took over vocal duties.
Elis embarked on their first international tour during this period, including a special guest performance at Mexico’s Festival Oscuro in August 2007.
To showcase Sandra Schleret’s vocal talents ahead of their forthcoming studio album, the band issued the MCD Show Me The Way on 2 November 2007 in Europe and on 6 November in the United States. This release contained two new renditions of the title track featuring Sandra’s voice, along with three previously unreleased songs from the Griefshire sessions performed by Sabine Dünser. Additionally, Napalm Records released a single for "Show Me the Way" on 2 November 2007.
Catharsis Album and Subsequent Developments
At the beginning of 2008, Elis announced they had begun work on their fourth studio album. In September of that year, they recorded a collaboration with Michelle Darkness of End of Green at Germany’s Mastersound studio under producer Alex Krull, featuring their new vocalist. Following several live performances, the band entered the studio to complete the album. On 22 November 2008, they disclosed the album’s title as Catharsis, a name carrying personal significance for Sandra Schleret due to her recent health challenges.
The album Catharsis was released by Napalm Records on 27 November 2009 and garnered a range of reviews from mixed to favorable.
Sandra Schleret's Exit
Sandra Schleret parted ways with Elis in May 2011. The remaining members opted to move forward by recruiting Simone Christinat as the new vocalist in June 2011.
Simone Christinat's Departure and Band's Transition
In February 2012, Simone Christinat left the group citing stress-related reasons, which led to Elis disbanding shortly thereafter. By March 2012, the band initiated a search for a new singer to launch a fresh project; by April, they had successfully found a vocalist and began working on new material, although the identity of this singer was not publicly revealed at that time.
Musical Style
Elis’ sound is an amalgamation of gothic metal enriched with symphonic and doom metal elements. Their music is distinguished by orchestral arrangements intertwined with death growls, producing a unique style that resists simple classification.
Lyrically, Elis explores themes centered around life experiences and childhood rather than typical gothic metal subjects such as literature, romantic love, or mortality. Most tracks are performed in English, with two or three songs per album sung in German. Prior to Sabine Dünser’s passing, she was principally responsible for writing lyrics. Notable exceptions include cover versions like Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell," Jennifer Rush's "I Come Undone," as well as compositions incorporating poems by Austrian poet Georg Trakl.
Final Lineup
- Pete Streit – guitar (2003–2012)
- Tom Saxer – bass guitar and death growls (2003–2012)
- Max Näscher – drums (2004–2012)
- Chris Gruber – guitar (2006–2012)
Touring musician
- Trevor – drums (2009)
Previous Members
- Franco "Franky" Koller – drums (2003–2004)
- René Marxer – vocals (2004)
- Jürgen "Big J" Broger – guitar (2003–2005)
- Sabine Dünser – vocals (2003–2006; deceased 2006)
- Sandra Schleret – vocals (2007–2011)
- Simone Christinat – vocals (2011–2012)
Studio albums
- God's Silence, Devil's Temptation (2003)
- Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky (2004)
- Griefshire (2006)
- Catharsis (2009)
Singles
- "For Such a Long Time" (2003)
- "Der letzte Tag" (2004)
- "Show Me the Way" (2007)
Videos
- "Der letzte Tag" (2004)
- "Show Me the Way" (2009)