There are bands who are always talking about their talent and their skills. But there are also bands who prefer not to speak and let the music do the talking. Eldritch belong to the second category and are proud of that. The Italian prog/power metal band are a guarantee of quality, high-level heavy metal, which leans more on the songs’ melodies and riffs. As the band is going to embark on a Greek mini-tour these days, Myth of Rock is making a flashback to the beginning of the band’s birth in the ’90s and its impressive discography. Read more and make sure you don’t miss Eldritch live in action!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Eldritch were formed in Livorno, Italy, back in 1991, when guitarist Eugene Simone and vocalist Terence Holler decided to bring their shared passion for melodic and progressive metal to life. Italy, at the time, wasn’t exactly a hotbed for heavy metal, especially for the kind that Eldritch were aiming for – something technical, emotional and sophisticated. But that didn’t stop them. The band’s goal was simple: to combine the aggression of American power metal with the complexity and depth of progressive rock/metal.
After a couple of demos, Eldritch caught attention across Europe and signed with Limb Music, releasing their debut album “Seeds of Rage” in 1995. The record immediately stood out in the crowded mid-’90s metal scene, with its strong melodies, sharp riffs and expressive vocals. Tracks like “Under This Ground”, “Blind Promise” and “Colors” showcased a young band bursting with creativity and technical mastery. You could already sense that Eldritch were not content with clichés — they were building something different, something more emotional and intelligent than the average power metal release of that era.
Their sophomore album, “Headquake” (1997), was the point where Eldritch shaped their own sonic identity. It was a masterpiece – heavier, darker and more mature, with intricate arrangements that balanced virtuosity and atmosphere. The band was no longer just another melodic metal act from Italy — they were a formidable force in the European prog/power metal scene. “Ghoulish Gift”, “Lord of an Empty Place” and “Sometimes in Winter” demonstrated how Eldritch could effortlessly blend powerful riffs, haunting vocal lines and emotionally charged lyrics.
By the late ’90s, progressive metal was thriving thanks to acts like Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Vanden Plas. Yet Eldritch managed to stay unique. Their music had a certain Mediterranean melancholy, a sense of melody that reflected their Italian roots. It wasn’t just about showing off musical skill; it was about expressing human emotion through complexity.
Their third record, “El Niño” (1998), pushed things further. Influenced by the aggression of thrash metal and the precision of prog, it became another defining album. The title track and “Bleed Mask Bleed” are still fan favorites — examples of how Eldritch could shift from technical fury to emotional depth in a single song.
The early 2000s marked a new era for the band. “Reverse” (2001) introduced more modern and mechanical elements, blending progressive metal with touches of industrial and groove metal. This was not an easy step — the metal world was changing fast, and many bands struggled to remain relevant. But Eldritch proved once again that they weren’t afraid to take risks. Their experimentation never felt forced; it was something natural.
Two years later came “Portrait of the Abyss Within” (2004), an album that displayed the band’s emotional and conceptual depth. It was a more introspective work — perhaps their most personal one until then.
After that album, Eldritch released seven full-length records, “Neighbourhell” (2006), “Blackenday” (2007), “Gaia’s Legacy” (2011), “Tasting the Tears” (2014), “Underlying Issues” (2015), “Cracksleep” (2018) and “Eos” (2021). It is true that the band wasn’t able to maintain the same high level as on “Headquake”, “El Niño” and “Reverse”, yet every Eldritch album remained a serious work with something meaningful to say.
The latest Eldritch album is “Innervoid”, which was released in 2023, one year after the departure of longtime vocalist Terence Holler. Featuring new singer Alex Jarusso, the record marks both a rebirth and a reaffirmation of what Eldritch have always stood for — emotional power, melodic sophistication, and technical brilliance. Jarusso’s voice fits naturally into the band’s sound, bringing fresh energy and expressiveness without altering their core identity.
The rave reviews and the enthusiastic feedback from their live shows gave a new push to the Italian prog/power metallers, who are now looking toward the future with fresh, raw energy, beautiful melodicism, and brilliant musicianship — qualities that still set them apart from their contemporaries!
What makes Eldritch special is not only their music virtues, but also their attitude. They have always stood outside the mainstream, focused on the quality of their art rather than commercial success. Eugene Simone’s guitar work remains the backbone of their sound: sharp, emotional, and technically flawless. Terence Holler’s voice, one of the most expressive in European metal, brings life to every lyric, from anger to melancholy. The rhythm section and Oleg Smirnoff’s keyboards add depth and energy, creating the band’s trademark mix of complexity and melody.
Over the years, Eldritch have influenced countless younger bands across Europe and USA. They’ve played alongside icons like Pain of Salvation, Symphony X and Threshold, proving that Italian metal can stand proudly among the best in the world. And while Italy has given us some great metal names — Rhapsody, Labyrinth, Vision Divine, Athena, Secret Sphere — Eldritch occupy a special place. They are the intellectuals of Italian metal!
As the band returns for their upcoming Greek mini-tour, a connection between Eldrich and the Greek fans is growing. What shall we expect from the Italians? Surely, powerful performances, melodic epics, and that unique blend of Italian passion and precision. Songs from “Innervoid”, “El Niño” and “Headquake” will remind us why Eldritch are still one of Europe’s finest. Be sure you catch Eldritch live!
