Abandoned Elysium: Architects of Modern Symphonic Metal
Abandoned Elysium is a symphonic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, known for blending orchestral grandeur with aggressive modern metal. The group achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 album Chrono Legacy, which charted in several European markets and solidified their international fanbase.
Early career
Formed in 2012, the band's founding members, vocalist Elina Vainio and guitarist Mikko Järvinen, met while studying at the Sibelius Academy. Their initial self-released EP, Ashes of the Dawn (2014), circulated online, catching the attention of the Finnish indie label Northern Flame Records. This led to a distribution deal and the release of their debut full-length, Veil of Shadows, in 2015.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Chrono Legacy, released via the German metal powerhouse AFM Records. The album entered the Finnish album chart at number 12 and spent several weeks on the official German charts, a significant feat for a rising act in the genre. This success was fueled by extensive touring across Europe as support for established symphonic metal acts.
Key tracks
Eternal Return — This lead single from Chrono Legacy became the band's signature song, receiving heavy rotation on European metal radio.
Ghost in the Machine — A track showcasing their technical prowess, its music video surpassed 5 million views on YouTube, expanding their digital reach.
Atlas Falls — Featured as the main theme for the video game Eternal Odyssey in 2020, this collaboration introduced their music to a new, global audience.
Northern Lights — A fan-favorite epic from their debut album that remains a staple of their live performances.
The band's third album, Oblivion's Call (2021), saw them experiment with darker tones and guest vocals, including a collaboration with Swedish singer Tommy Karevik. While maintaining their symphonic metal core, they incorporated more progressive elements and harsh vocal passages. Following the album cycle, Abandoned Elysium headlined their first European tour in 2022, performing in major clubs and theaters from London to Warsaw.
Listeners who enjoy Abandoned Elysium often appreciate the work of similar Finnish symphonic metal acts. Nightwish shares their foundational blend of opera and heavy guitars. Apocalyptica mirrors their classical music foundations translated into a metal context. The dramatic scope of Epica is another clear parallel in their musical approach.
The music of Abandoned Elysium is a regular feature on dedicated metal and alternative rock radio stations. Their powerful singles are frequently played on specialty symphonic and power metal programs, as well as on online rock radio streams that focus on the European metal scene. Independent music radio stations with a focus on modern heavy music have also championed their albums, helping to build their profile.
You can hear the dynamic symphonic metal of Abandoned Elysium on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Explore our curated selection of stations to discover their music and other artists within the genre.
