Metalcatto
Elder is one of the best acts out there. Doubts are next to none. Ever since Reflections of a Floating World, the band has released Album of the Year contender after another. So my real question was: will Through Zero reach those heights, or sink into absolute misery and disappointment? For once, my expectations landed somewhere in the middle of the scale. Ready to be happy or bored, but not furious. Snob note: how do you go through zero? It’s literally the absence of anything. But maybe these guys are in the “zero is a number” camp. Let’s see.
Wohoo. Through Zero shows a band that’s still got it. Sure, I’m not sure if it reaches Reflections levels, but the writing, the atmosphere, the production—they’re all top-notch here. This is a true homage to 70s Prog Rock, channeling the best of King Crimson or Yes. It’s like Blood Incantation but without the Death Metal. So much more accessible for your dad, who thinks Rock N’Roll died in 1978. However, Elder is its own beast. I could compare the band to many others, but in the end, these guys have developed their own style and identity.
We have some spectacular sections on Through Zero that transport you to a crepuscular planet nobody can fully comprehend. The album’s first half is a masterclass in release and tension. Even with its titanic lengths, the tracks maintain their quality throughout. This is even more remarkable once you realize this is kind of a glorified instrumental album. The guitars do most of the talking, and they speak eloquently. If anything, maybe the vocalist could be given a pinch more attention in the mix, but that’s a nitpick.
This album was easily crossing into a 4.5 in my book. Sadly, Through Zero does lose intensity as it moves forward. The last two tracks are still solid contemplative journeys, but a more spectacular finale would have been more memorable. The album is pretty long. It needed an explosion, not a fade-away, to wrap things up. Yes, this is entitled as hell, but I’m a customer, so I’m always right. The energy dips just when you want it to peak, and that pacing issue holds it back from true perfection.
I’m happy to inform you that Elder deserves your money, and despite the minor comments I have about Through Zero, the album can easily punch its way into the Prog Album of the Year conversation. It’s crazy how an album can be not as great as I wanted and still reach those heights effortlessly. What else do you want? A band that continues to deliver quality this deep into its career is rare. Elder makes it look easy. So do yourself a favor: spin Through Zero, let it wash over you, and ignore my gripes about the ending. You’ll probably love it anyway.
Label: Blue Funeral Recordings
Release date: May 29th, 2026
Website: facebook.com/elderofficial
Country: USA
Score: 4.0/5.0
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