Elis

Gothic metal group Elis built an ardent worldwide audience through a sound that fuses the pounding guitars and thunderous percussion of heavy metal with touches of orchestral arrangement, folk elements, and electronica. Hailing from Liechtenstein in Central Europe, the musicians launched their career in 2000 under the name Erben der Schopfung, led by keyboardist Oliver Falk and featuring Sabine Duenser on distinctive lead vocals. Their debut single, "Elis," along with the full-length album Twilight, drew notable coverage from both print outlets and radio stations. German rock magazine Orkus designated Erben der Schopfung the top new act of 2001, and the band received enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics alike after performing at Leipzig's Wave Gotik Festival. A creative deadlock soon divided the members: Falk carried forward with a fresh roster under the Erben der Schopfung name, while Duenser joined guitarists Pete Streit and Juergen Broger, bassist Tom Saxer, and drummer Franky Koller to establish Elis. The newly formed ensemble delivered its debut album, God's Silence, Devil's Temptation, in 2003 via the metal label Napalm Records. Following a European tour that included dates in Belgium and Switzerland, Elis reconvened in the studio during 2004—now with Rene Marxer on drums in place of Koller—alongside producer Alexander Krull to record Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky. Issued in 2005, the album sustained their rising profile within gothic metal circles, and further extensive European touring ensued once Max Naescher took over drumming duties from Marxer. The band next prepared its third release, the concept album Griefshare centered on two brothers, again with Krull at the helm and guitarist Chris Gruber stepping in after Broger departed in 2005. Shortly before the project wrapped, Sabine Duenser passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on July 7, 2006; the remaining members chose to preserve her vocal performances in tribute, allowing the record to reach European stores in fall 2006 and U.S. outlets on January 16, 2007. In late December 2006, Elis confirmed Sandra Schleret—previously the vocalist for Dreams of Sanity and Siegfried—as their new lead singer.