Elicea - OD (EP, 2026)
By Flork
Sometimes the most interesting releases come in the smallest packages. The new EP from Elicea clocks in at barely six minutes (there are 4 tracks), yet it manages to cram a strange and compelling blend of styles into that short runtime, with elements of crust, punk , black metal, and touches of DSBM atmosphere sprinkled throughout. There might even be hints of folk and definitely pop-punk melody. I like their sound, because the result feels raw and captivating, kind of like stumbling upon a one-man show street busker rocking out extreme metal through a battered guitar and foot-pedal drum set. The opening Intro (Prod. Wynn) is brief and sets the tone in just over a minute. It is a bit lo-fi and slightly eerie, and intentionally minimal. Perhaps it prepares the listener for the stripped-down aesthetic that defines the whole release.
But the EP really begins with Till Fucking Overdose. Here the project’s character becomes clear. The track moves slowly but carries a noticeable bite. Instead of relying on speed, it builds tension through its raw guitar tone and surprisingly expressive percussion. The hi-hat patterns stand out in particular, which gives the song a rhythmic texture that keeps it moving despite the slow pace. But I must note that the vocals are one of its strongest elements and cool as well. They are harsh, demonic, and undoubtedly emotionally charged.
Free Yourself follows with a similar structure but pushes the intensity slightly further. It feels heavier and more focused, almost like the emotional center of the EP. Again, the percussion plays a crucial role, with simple but knocks on the cow bell that add character to the minimal instrumentation. The song gives the impression that this project might be a one-person operation because of its roughness around the edges. But it is defintely full of personality. The set closes with the Rudimentary Peni cover, Army of Jesus, which serves as a fitting bonus track. Stripped down and labeled as a “raw free cover,” it embraces the DIY spirit completely. This is a sort of "snap your fingers to the beat of black metal" kind of tune, if that makes any sense.
And the Florkman's prognosis? In just a few minutes, Elicea delivers a rough, but pretty cool mix of black metal, crust punk, and DSBM, with elements of folk and flashes of pop-punk attitude. It's a bit of a mess, but I have to admit that I like the Ep. It’s brief, raw, and imperfect, which gives it its charm. Elicea is not new to the scene, but are so underground that you might miss them if you blink to long and hard. For listeners who appreciate DIY, this tiny EP nevertheless leaves a surprisingly strong impression.
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