Christchurch progressive four-piece Elidi are set to release their long-awaited debut album Angor Animi, defined as a symptom where a patient perceives they are dying. It’s an album that demands to be listened to in full and one that will call you back for more. A musically cinematic vision; original, immersive, and progressively outstanding. This is a landscape of impeccable programming, polyrhythmic and well-crafted beats, and down-tuned seas of brutal riffage swirling with melodic and jarring sounds. Spine-tingling leads and passionately creative, mountain-moving vocals bring haunting melody and an ear-watering presence throughout.

Having released their EP Sin in 2018 and standalone single Witches Brew in 2021, Elidi have spent much of 2025 teasing fans with singles and tracks from their forthcoming debut alongside a beautifully crafted music video for Requiem, immersive visualizers, and thoughtful, artistic messages across their online platforms. Elidi are somewhat of an enigma, a musical force and a standout in a world of carbon copies and “heard-it-all-befores.” As we run through each track, that seamlessly move into one another, we discover an album full of potential and possibility in motion.

Aetos (meaning “earth-born child companion of the god Zeus – the eagle”) instantly delivers with a bright guitar hook and big groove feel. Dan Russel’s vocals are impassioned – his lyrical delivery masterfully woven like storytelling. The chorus is a hit. Discordant chugs and dark tones lead into a slow-building bridge – once you know, you know – before descending into a final, epic chorus with huge, soaring notes that hit the ceiling. Teraphile opens with a menacing guitar intro – you know this one’s going to be heavy. The song bounces and moves like an ocean storm, with Steve Howden’s drums shifting through multiple paces and feels while the riffs crash and crush with destructive force. Richie Jehan’s guitar solo follows its own story, methodical and precise, before Russel’s godlike vocals command down from above.

Waiting For The Sun shifts gears, dialing the heavy back a little. Offbeat grooves accompany multiple layered guitar tracks that weave in and out, creating lush soundscapes. The song moves like a river, atmospheric, calm, then cautious. Intricate guitar picking and Russel’s voice end the song in perfect harmony. A track that harps back to their earlier material and for fans of Karnivool and Tool. Requiem – the music video is a must-watch (seriously, do it now) – mesmerizes with ethereal chant vocals. Russel’s vocal changes throughout the verses showcase the full range of his arsenal- whispers, spoken word, clean yells. His command is heavy and hypnotic: “Bring me up to breathe while you bury me.” Shutter-like programming lingers in the background, while the drums solidify movements or break out into creative pockets of tom work.

Re:pose (Stranger Things intro vibes anyone?) pushes further into experimentation, mathematical, impeccably structured, and full of intricate parts. While Metamorphosis begins with a chant backdrop (seriously, how cool is the chanting?) leading into a wall of programming and soaring vocal melody. Moloch (with its biblical connotations of sacrifice) carries an industrial groove-metal vibe, this one is sure to get the pit moving, with chug core riffage team of Jehan & Jack Orr. The creepy, layered vocals and whispered parts add theatrical flair. Horror-movie themes creep through the programming and production, especially during the breakdown with screaming string noises, a diverse, dynamic track that begs repeat listens.

Underside starts with an understated groove, rumbling bass tones beneath a steadily ascending guitar that builds with frantic velocity. It follows a solid foundation of harmonic guitar melody and tight tom work. The mirrored guitar in the second verse intrigues and engages, buzzing into the chorus. Russel’s vocal melodies lift Underside even higher, his ability to move between movements and outshine each one is a testament to his range and power. Autophagy features Pull Down the Sun’s Koert Wegman. The dynamic contrast between Dan and Koert’s vocal archetypes is stunning, Koert’s screamed presence amplifies the heaviness, while Dan shape-shifts around the music. The final section where their styles collide is epically destructive. Funeral Rites rounds out this ten track journey and hits on another emotional plane, heavy tom fills and impassioned yells build into stratospheric levels. Like much of the album, it broods, grows, and erupts.

Even as someone who doesn’t usually focus on lyrics, I found the words here deeply compelling, full of intense narrative, presence, and heart. The music itself commands attention, each track telling its own story against a massive backdrop of musical ability and creativity. The production, with the mix handled by George Lever (Sleep Token, Loathe), is next-level, full of depth, layering, and life. The programming feels almost sentient, weaving through each composition with purpose. Angor Animi is truly incredible. Elidi are masters of their craft. Be sure to follow them and experience their art live on stage.

They say that time flies, but for many fans of I See Stars, the wait from January till last night has been almost agonising, the show postponed for a few months to enable the band to have a much needed break after non-stop touring.

But after their epic show last night, it was worth the wait.

First up, Christchurch based Elidi enthralled all those in attendance with progressive Metal that was both engaging and heavy, with Dan Russell impressing all with his vocal dexterity.

The four-piece have some big names under their belt, having supported such acts as Northlane and The Ocean not to mention Villainy and the ever-endearing Head Like a Hole, so it was no wonder that their set last night was polished without forfeiting any integrity of their overall sound.

Having recently released their debut album Angor Animi, whose album cover alone makes it a must have for any collection, Elidi delivered solid tracks that locked in the audience for the full duration, not always an easy task for a support band.

This was unmistakably in part due to the skills of drummer Steve Howden.

Elidi loosely translates as Gift of the Sun, and attendees last night felt bathed in the light, the quartet taking them through a ceremony of sorts where the songs are composed with the intention of allowing you to find your own emotions within. Whether that be exultation or a lustral form of release.

Turnover was swift, the anticipation peaking as the lights dimmed and the minutes moved painstakingly closer to the scheduled start time.

The room almost imploded as I See Stars appeared, lead vocalist Devin Oliver appearing in a zipped up hooded jacket that was soon abandoned for a black tulle top, adorned with hundreds of shimmering diamantes that perfectly offset the ones framing the side of his face.

Are you alive Auckland? Oliver demanded to know, the cacophony of voices emphatically replying that yes, they indeed were, only spurring on the energy of the band members.

Appearing as a five piece for the start of this current leg of the tour, I See Stars are comprised of brothers Devin and Andrew Oliver, Brent Allen, Jeff Valentine, and current touring drummer Connor Allen (Taylor Acorn, Secrets, Dead American).

I See Stars have had some pretty impressive musos jump behind on sticks including Luke Holland and the incredible Dakota Kooter Sammons, but as Allen proved when needed, he can certainly hold his own. Particular credit goes to the man for playing in a balaclava during the first track.

Despite forming in 2006, the Detroit, Michigan locals have never managed to make it down to New Zealand, but it was clear that they were going to make the most of their time on stage and gift their followers with a concert they could only dream of.

With an impressive discography behind their name, there was a little something to appease the admirers of both the old and new. D4MAGE DONE again from The Wheel rubbing shoulders easily with Ten Thousand Feet (New Demons – 2013) and Calm Snow from the immense album Treehouse released back in 2016.

Yes, it has been a long nine year wait between records, but bearing witness to their new material live last night confirmed that good things do indeed take time.

Devin Oliver hasn’t exactly been sitting around either, when not touring he is continually writing, and for two years of his life he battled intracranial hypertension which caused such debilitating headaches he could barely function.

Proving that light can always be found in the darkness however, Oliver recovered, jumped cities to Los Angeles and created electronic project shYbeast.

But last night he was back where he belonged, heading I See Stars and unleashing vocals that at times silenced the front rows as they stared at him in awe, both clean and unclean pouring forth with ease, his upper octave range formidable live.

Barely pausing for more than a few moments, Oliver worked the stage as Brent Allen and Jeff Valentine continuously crossed over ensuring that everyone, including those at the back got a decent view, Andrew Oliver having to remain a little more static due to being on keys, but his long locks making it fairly easy to pinpoint him at any time.

I See Stars incorporate elements of Metalcore, emo, and post-Hardcore into their sounds, and are often referred to as Electronicore, of which they are regarded by many as the pioneers of.

But with the release of The Wheel, I See Stars have self-proclaimed a new genre for themselves – Crash Pop.

With a set last night, which had some of the hardest breakdowns going back-to-back with feelings laden choruses and compositions that had the room pogoing on the spot without being asked to, you can see why they have landed on this new label.

David Bendeth who produced the beloved Treehouse and returning for The Wheel, ensuring that this new record embraces the past, celebrates how far they have come and lays down a new path.

It is not often a band can keep your eyes glued to them for the duration of a show, but last night I See Stars did it with ease, their sheer ferocity that was seasoned and yet controlled, held the fans close, Devin only breaking the rollercoaster of a ride periodically to speak about his own personal journey or to ask the audience if they were alive. A question that each and every time provoked a wave of cheers and reminded you of just why live music is so cathartic.

As well as delivering a killer production overall, I See Stars also gifted Auckland the live debut of carry on for you, and a throwback to their 2009 album 3-D with What This Means to Me which sent the day ones into a frenzy.

I See Stars are a phenomenal band, and live they are even better, their tenure speaking for itself, the addition of Connor Allen who absolutely pummels the skins only taking their performance into the upper echelons of the live circuit.

Screw materialistic living, buy the damn concert tickets, and if you get the opportunity to attend an I See Stars show, do it without hesitation.

Sarah Kidd

Photos by Mark Derricutt

I see Stars

Churchills Tavern was the place to be on Saturday night, where Christchurch prog metal heavyweights Elidi held their fundraiser for their latest album. Elidi have recently made a big name for themselves, touring the country with well-known metal acts including Pull Down The Sun and Crooked Royals.

Setting up the evening perfectly were local bands The Rainfall and Locked In Stasis, with both acts playing great energetic music. These two resident bands are making waves in New Zealand and Christchurch alike, with a sound and style each of their own.

As a fan of Elidi’s music, I’m always first in line to see Elidi play live, and like the previous times I've seen them live, they did not disappoint! With a blend of the classic Elidi songs we know and love, they also added in some songs from their new album to the setlist. I had no doubt that Elidi was there to shine.

As with previous Elidi shows, the lighting and sound fit in well with their stage presence, which itself has evolved with every show, making each show more exciting to witness. The real star of the night was Elidi's newest tracks which brought in a new sound and style, but still with the Elidi groove and powerful vocals that we all know and love. To sum up the night, it was beyond fantastic.

If Elidi's new music is this good live, then I really can't wait to hear the album. If you haven’t listened to Elidi already, make sure you check them out - they have a huge future ahead! And be sure to check out Locked In Stasis and The Rainfall, there’s so much great music to be heard!

A great way to see music month in with a bang!

A REVIEW BY ROBBIE SCOTT MUZIC.NET.NZ

We are stoked to welcome Elidi to the Waxstar fold as their NZ/AUS booking agents. 👏👏👏
These guys have massive things in store for 2024 and beyond, they are currently working on their first album, we've heard some demos and if they are anything to go by the finished product is going to make a massive impact on the prog metal world this year.  🤘🔥🤘 - Waxstar touring

WAXSTAR TOURING PRESENTS: ROCK MONSTERS SOUTH


 

Fans of high-quality prog and metal get ready, because the ultimate heavy festival is about to smash Christchurch for the very first time at Ngaio Marsh Theatre Saturday July 06. Last year’s festival in Taranaki absolutely went off and this year’s South Island edition will reignite those passionate metal flames again.


 

ROCK MONSTERS SOUTH 2024 - Featuring:

BEASTWARS / CALIGULAS HORSE (Aus) / CROOKED ROYALS / PULL DOWN THE SUN / ELIDI / PIECES OF MOLLY / STONEHURST


 

ROCK MONSTERS SOUTH will unify seven killer bands in one face melting beast of an event.

Get ready for a day and night of pure metal mayhem Ōtautahi.