Elfen

ELFEN was one of several mid-to-late-1990s Black Metal/Dungeon Synth projects courtesy of the prolific Corfu-based musician Cernunnos (a.k.a. Athalwolf of WOLFNACHT). Quite naturally, ELFEN bears similarities to Cernunnos contemporary creative outlets in BACCHIA NERAIDA and CERNUNNOS – all his projects bear a certain mark of originality – although here the main focus lays on dream-like Tolkien-esque sonic landscapes. Moreover, the music comes across as somewhat lighter in tone, yet balanced against a darker shade lurking within several of the compositions – much like in Tolkien’s works, where the balance between light and darkness plays an integral role.

The only known release by ELFEN is a compilation tape which goes under the title “To Eldamar from Minas Morgul” (1999), released by the cult Estonian label Elven Witchcraft. The tape includes the EP/demo “Eldamar – The House of the Trolls” (1998-1999) on side A, while the B-side consists of the demo “Minas Morgul” (1997). Each track off the latter was re-recorded for the EP, so there is a great deal of overlap between songs here, with the main difference being that the 1997 demo sounds a bit rawer than the later material. In terms of style, ELFEN basically straddles the line between Black Metal and Dungeon Synth, without falling easily into neither category. Well-worth checking out for fans of Austria’s SUMMONING.

Compilation appearances: