Review: “Elízium” by Agregator

Hailing from Tatabánya in Hungary, Agregator (or “Aggregator“) have been writing about life struggles, death and love in Gothic Melodic Death Metal since 1997. Time brings change and original guitarist turned vocalist Tamás Mikus is the last remaining of their original line up, the current one uniting members of former members of Wrath of Azazel, Reason, Green Men and Paradise Host to name but a few. Their latest burnt offering is rooted in a darker reading of the ancient Greek idea of Elysium, a place traditionally described as a peaceful afterlife for heroes and those favoured by the gods. In this re-imagining it becomes a place marked by fury and decay, looking at loss, temptation, memory and the parts of oneself that are difficult to leave behind.

Steeped in the traditions of the Gothenburg scene title track “Elízium” (or “Elysium“) combines Melodic Death Metal leads with harsh vocals as Agregator capture the intensity of their lyrical musings in their native Hungarian. Like any foreign film, that helps give the song its own character, enhancing the mood and atmosphere in the process, a couple of groove laden passages adding a satisfying crunch. There is Scandinavian rooted melancholia in “A tizenhármas ajtó” (or “The Thirteenth Door“) which begins with a spoken word, the lush sonic textures making it a warm and addictive listen with some Progressive Metal leaning moments giving it something greater than the sum of its parts.

An intriguing blend of spoken word and harsh unclean vocals with sombre melody “Súgd meg” (or “Whisper it to me“) is far from the power ballad which the title might suggest. Instead it finds the band making great use of vocal layering so you get the harsh lead vocal underpinned by a shriller one, something which the band no doubt utilise when they perform live. The influences of Type O Negative and Paradise Lost run through the veins of the band as a whole but are closer to the surface on this one, giving it a warmth in nostalgia despite the song having a life of its own. A 2026 re-recording of 2022 single “Hamu” (or “Ash“) completes the collection in fitting fashion, the mid 90’s stylings in the riffs a nice touch. The first release since a 2024 line up change brought in bassist Bálint Lázár, drummer Jozsef Kun and guitarist Attila Horvath, it bodes well for their next album “Por és hamu” (or “Dust and Ashes”) which is expected in 2027 [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Elízium
2. A tizenhármas ajtó
3. Súgd meg
4. Hamu (2026)

“Elízium” by Agregator is out 30th April 2026 and is available over at bandcamp