Everything started when three young metallers from Vantaa, Finland wanted not just to listen to metal but also make it themselves. Okko(g), Johannes(k) and Jukka(v) were old friends and both Okko and Johannes were talented players despite their young age. Johannes had played the piano since he was 4 years old.A second guitarist, Daavid was soon found from among their friends. Bass player, Tuomo joined in soon after Daavid due to them being good friends. Elenium was given birth in autumn 1995 After rehearsing with a few different drummers the duty was given to Mikko. The members were highly inspired by death metal acts like Amorphis (Tales From The Thousand Lakes, Karelian Isthmus), so it was a natural choice to start playing melodic death. Amorphis`s mixture of synth and death metal impressed them deeply.
Elenium recorded their first demo in spring 96.
The second demo; "This Side of Paradise" 98 got much more attention and positive feedback. Daavid had left the band before the recording of "TSoP"-demo. A new guitarist, Lemmi (Tommi Leinonen) was soon found from a local band called Borealms after their split up. At that time also Borealms had a huge impact on Ele`s music. Borealms played melodic metal with a lot of synths very much in the vein of Amorphis.
Elenium was offered a record deal by a small label called HellaRecords. The label was convinced by their potential after seeing them on stage with Children of Bodom in spring 98. This Side of Paradise single was recorded during the same spring. A video for the song; Shades of Grey was filmed also. Due to some musical and social disagreements Okko left the band in spring -99. The co-operation with HellaRecords didn`t work out, Because of their lack of intrest and time.
After Okkos departure Elenium concentrated on composing new material and improving their musical skills instead of replacing Okko. During that time Elenium played only few gigs as a five-piece. Finally in autumn 2001 a lead guitarist was found after trying many guitarists. The new guitarist, Kasperi convinced the band immediately with his tremendous skills. He also got along with other members very well straight from the start. Kasperi studies music to become a professional musician. Kasperi was the missing piece of the puzzle and Elenium got a new dimension into their music. After his joining in started a heavy training season because everyone was anxious to get on the stage and to record new material. The band has already played some gigs in their full line up and the feedback has been very positive and the chemistry within the band is superb. After recording some promos for labels and media only Elenium have finally recorded a brand new demo cd called "Them Used Gods" .(released in July and the edition of 500 copies is almost sold out) The new cd is a natural follower to the previous releases but the improvement on all areas of their music can truly be heard.
"Them Used Gods" has recieved only good or even superb reviews and feedback from all over the world. .
Source: http://www.elenium.xrs.net/
