Elysia (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in Shingle Springs, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Shingle Springs , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Elysia is a deathcore group originating from Shingle Springs, California, in the United States. Established in 2003 under the name Elysium's Revenge while its members were still in high school, the band has produced one EP alongside two studio albums and completed two nationwide tours despite numerous personnel shifts. After achieving a stable lineup, they launched Lion of Judas on June 10, 2008, via Ferret Records. Although they disbanded later that year, the band reunited in 2013. In May 2024, they issued a remastered version of Masochist featuring additional tracks and commentary from lead vocalist Zak Vargas.
Elysia has shared stages with bands such as Arsonists Get All the Girls, Knights of the Abyss, Catherine, Emmure, Heavy Heavy Low Low, Impending Doom, Suicide Silence, and This Is Hell. They also appeared at the 2007 Saints & Sinners Festival.
Origins and initial phase
Initially called Elysium's Revenge, the band attracted local recognition around the Shingle Springs-Cameron Park region. By late 2003, they shortened their name to Elysia and incorporated a second vocalist, Justin Chambers, who participated in their debut EP. In early 2004, they recorded another EP including the track "Incinerate," which became a regular feature in their live performances. Over the summer and fall months, they composed significant songs such as "Triumph" and "Filthy."
Masochist
The band's first full-length album emerged from the sessions for Masochist, initially planned for release on This City Is Burning Records. Due to unforeseen difficulties, it turned into an independent release that gained momentum as they toured with killwhitneydead. After several lineup adjustments—including Kevin Marquez leaving post-graduation—they embarked on a West Coast tour. There were intentions to re-record Masochist for a Tribunal Records reissue with producer Jamie King; however, these plans ended when drummer Joey Rommel exited prior to recording at Castle Ultimate Studios. Despite never reissuing the album, Elysia contributed to a Tribunal Records compilation.
Jacob Durrett temporarily took over drumming duties for a ten-day tour alongside Impending Doom and Moria before Steven Sessler became a permanent member. Guitarist Alex Porte departed just before their inaugural full US tour in summer 2007. With Zak Vargas as the last remaining original member, the group nearly dissolved but persisted due to contractual commitments. They toured with Knights of the Abyss and Arsonists Get All the Girls despite facing hardships including two physical assaults.
Facing challenges, Elysia secured a deal with Ferret Records. During a brief three-day tour, guitarist Mark Underwood left, again putting the band's future in jeopardy. Zak managed to recruit replacements by persuading high school friend Garrett Gilardi and bassist Jon to return, solidifying the lineup and preserving the band’s continuity.
Lion of Judas
Elysia commenced writing their sophomore album, Lion of Judas, in December 2007; it was subsequently released through Ferret Records. The band described this record as marking "a new era for Elysia," indicating an evolution in their musical style. The album was tracked over one week in Salem, Massachusetts, with producer Kurt Ballou. While touring in support of this release alongside This Is Hell, they withdrew from a following tour featuring Shai Hulud and Full Blown Chaos due to health issues affecting Zak Vargas.
Disbandment and Reunion
After the cancellation of their tour, Elysia's MySpace page was taken down, and Zak's blog suggested the group had split. Zak, Steven, and Garrett pursued other musical endeavors, though none came to fruition. Despite later confirmations of the band's reunion, collaborations with some former members did not proceed as planned. Zak Vargas subsequently initiated the black metal project VRTRA. In 2025, Elysia regrouped to perform several shows throughout California.
Musical Style, Influences, and Lyrical Content
Elysia’s songwriting often tackles issues such as homophobia and troubled relationships; however, their early work occasionally suffered from a lack of maturity that affected the clarity of their messages. Tracks like "Incinerate" and "Filthy" faced backlash and were banned from certain venues due to their explicit nature. Their musical style incorporates elements from both hardcore and metal genres. The initial release Masochist showcased deathcore influences, while Lion of Judas embraced 1990s hardcore inspiration paired with more developed social commentary.
The debut album Masochist fused Metalcore with death metal, which are foundational to deathcore, featuring breakdowns influenced by 1990s hardcore rather than conventional metalcore structures. Their sound draws inspiration from bands such as Entombed, Immolation, Dying Fetus, The Acacia Strain, Converge, and Pantera.
Band Members
Last Known Line-up
- Zak Vargas – lead vocals
- Alex Porte – guitar
- Mark Underwood – guitar
- Danny Lomeli – guitar (2006–2007), drums
- Chris Lemos – bass guitar, backing vocals
Previous Members
- Justin Chambers – keyboards, vocals
- Andre Vocino – guitar
- Pat Guild – bass
- John Sontag – bass
- Kevin Marquez – drums
- Joey Rommel – drums
- Chris Cain – guitar
- Jeremy Chavez – bass
- Garrett Gilardi – guitar
- Jon Malanowski – bass, backing vocals
- Steven Sessler – drums
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Under the name Elysia
Full-length albums
- Masochist (2006)
- Lion of Judas (2008)
- Masochist Deluxe Reissue (2024)
Extended plays
- Killing Grounds EP (2004)
Demo recordings
- 04 Demo (2004)
- Tease Her, Please Her, Stick Her in the Freezer (2005)
Under the name Elysium's Revenge
Extended plays
- Demo (2003)