The Australian Elysian Blaze is a one-man black metal project with quite a discography build up since 2003. Or at least, that could be the first conclusion when looking at the long list of releases on the MySpace page of Elysian Blaze. When examined closer it becomes clear that most of the discography list refers to re-releases. The mastermind behind the project is Mutatiis and the re-release that is reviewed here is Levitating the Carnal, which was originally released in 2006 before its re-release in 2008.

The minute I started listening to this album, one name came to mind: Xasthur. It’s obviously not completely the same, but the atmosphere, the lack of a quality production and the flat sound is all so alike; I had to play some Xasthur to make sure I wasn’t mixing up bands.

Don’t get me wrong by mentioning the poor production, though. Some bands are better off without a good produced sound and the same goes for Elysian Blaze. It definitely adds up to the eerie sensation throughout the album. The feeling the songs are being played at a distance with screams far out of reach, agonizing guitars, dramatic piano pieces and slow drums makes it obvious Mutatiis was influenced by some serious funeral doom when writing this album.

If you like melancholy (although I hate to use that word, because it’s the easiest word to use when judging black metal) and if you like depressing black metal, I think you will appreciate Levitating the Carnal.