Since ELISE’s debut back in March, we have been on the edge of our seats, waiting impatiently for more music. The self-titled mini-album, ELISE, which finally released June 27, doesn’t disappoint.

Featuring six tracks, ELISE has used their vast experience in previous projects to shape a unique perspective on the classic visual kei style. Success has hit the mini-album heavily, with physical copies selling out and a second press incoming at a later date for those who missed out on the first. In the meantime, ELISE is available to stream or purchase on major digital platforms.

The adrenaline-inducing opening track, “-synchronicity-“, introduces us to ELISE. As the high-action track progresses, band members reveal themselves. What started out as a quick instrumental ended with an intense band sound leading to the next track, the debut single SATELLITE. Despite listening to SATELLITE on repeat back in March, all these months later the track comes with the same huge, grandiose sound it had on its first listen. Vocalist SAKU’s melodies never get old, especially when supported by such a masterfully crafted instrumental.

ELISE -SATELLITE- 【Official Music Video】

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Contrarily, the next track, ANGEL, showcases ELISE’s heavy side with ferocious yells and brutal guitar riffs. AKANE’s guitar artistry is the driving force of ANGEL. The heavy riffs, which encourage headbanging, provide SAKU with the perfect foundation to unleash his devilish vocals. AKANE layers guitar effects into a short, disorienting solo, adding to the fierce sound.

The appropriately named track SWEET presents a fun and upbeat composition. Each member delivers what’s needed. Playful vocals and groovy guitar riffs are what catch your ears on the first listen, with more details revealing themselves with each repeat. Drummer EISHIN and bassist HINATA keep the momentum going through the duration of SWEET with vigorous rhythmic work.

Through high-tempo chaos, MALICE unleashes unfiltered speed and aggression. The thrashy sound showcases another version of ELISE’s heavy vision. In one moment SAKU demonstrates high goblin-like screams, and in the next returns to a sweet and addictive chorus. The instrumental, much like SAKU’s vocals, takes dark harmonic turns before returning home to an enlightening chorus.

The final track on ELISE, HOPE, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an enjoyable, catchy track featuring yet another masterfully crafted instrumental. Filling you with energy at every moment, HOPE really ends the min-album on a high note. As the final track comes to an end, it fills you with anticipation for more of what ELISE has to offer going forward.

With 2026 being full of big releases from major visual kei artists such as DIR EN GREY, Kizu, Madmans Esprit, and more, smaller artists go under the radar. However, if you have been missing the classic visual kei sound, ELISE fills a gap in the market with their first self-titled mini-album. Despite only featuring six tracks, many hallmarks of that classic visual kei sound are not only present but also expanded. There are so many hints of classic bands that shine through each track, but also combined with the band’s unique artistic flair.

If you like what you hear here, consider listening to ELISE’s first mini-album, ELISE, on major digital platforms. Alternatively, you can wait patiently for the second press if you prefer a physical CD.