In 2005 the slow stagnation and downward spiral of decay in South African Metal began. Most came to the realisation that Metal was slowly dying out in our country...something had to be done and fast! 2006 marked the beginning of a new era for the music genre.
In the small town of Secunda, plans were being made, strategies formulated, and techniques honed to combat this dark spiral.
Shaylin Kallie was at that time, lead guitarist of a band known as Dementia, a blend of classic melodic metal, with various metalcore influences, playing a number of small gigs, trying to establish a name for themselves. Soon after the recording of their first EP, bassist Mark Allen departed for England, in search for greener pastures. Dementia however carried on, in the hopes of replacing Mark. This proved to be an unsuccessful venture and led to the demise of Dementia in March of 2006.
Meanwhile, Nathan and Daniel Wilson began writing their own songs and jamming together, under the name of Elegy, playing various covers as well as originals. Having heard of the disbandment of Dementia they offered Shay the position of lead guitarist, which he gladly accepted. Later that same day, in Elegy’s infancy, the three founding members jammed to a few cover tracks and discovered the potency of their pure chemistry. Elegy then began the process of cohesion by song-writing and skill honing as well as perfecting their collective solidarity and individual talents, in the band. Elegy now felt that they were ready to add a third member to the band for the low-end section.
Kevin Webber, skilled in the art of bass, and having heard of Dementia as well as Elegy considered this sought after position, and accepted. Within a few days he was ready to rock. Elegy then had their second monumental practice.
Elegy, now with new found drive and energy, began spending hours on end, day after day practicing together and after a month were rewarded with an offer to play alongside Deity's Muse, Undertone, Alchemy and The Frail. In the weeks leading up to that gig, Elegy struggled to find a vocalist that complimented the bands style within their small home town. They realised that if they wanted this done properly, they would have to do it themselves. Shaylin then assumed the duties of lead vocalist as well as guitarist. Elegy had also long decided to forego the traditional route of having a separate lead and rhythm guitarist.
So, having all the essential members of the band, and having perfected and developed their style and chemistry together, they felt that they were ready to annihilate the industry, and embarked upon their first gig. A gig that will forever be remembered in Elegy's history!
Elegy opened their set with one of their heaviest songs at the time, which saw possibly the largest pit Secunda had ever seen evolve at their feet. Half-way through their second song, the club owners approached the stage and asked the band to stop playing. They claimed that the locals were upset by the music, a common stereotype for metal music. Elegy were slightly discouraged, but in the spirit of metal, and not wanting to disappoint the fans, the gig was moved to another venue and in the space of about two hours Elegy was back on stage, whipping out their entire set to the delight of their fans.
Elegy then took break for a month, writing new songs, and further perfecting and improving their style. In January 2007, Elegy was ready to destroy again. January brought with it a multitude of gigs. Elegy was back in the ring and leaving the crowd gasping for breath after every song, as well as slowly, but surely, building an ever-growing loyal fan base. February 2007 brought with it a few more gigs, but most importantly, the fifth and final member of Elegy.
Travis Seager was previously in a number of bands around SA, and was among the first to start the wave of heavy metal in Secunda, Travis was based in Durban for a few years, but then moved back to Secunda, and was offered a position within the brotherhood that is Elegy. Travis attended his first practice with Elegy mere days after arriving back to Secunda, bringing with him a voice like a demon, power packed tenfold. He brought an atmosphere and presence to Elegy never felt before! Elegy, now oozing power, played their practice set with Travis and pure metal power flowed like a hidden magic through the veins of the band. Elegy was now finally complete, and ready to annihilate clubs around South Africa and most importantly, bring back the steel - reviving Metal to its pure and powerful form!
The power and energy felt at that practice is recalled and called to the fore during their live performances, where the stage becomes their battle ground and below can be seen a mass of flailing bodies as the crowd obliterate the mosh pit, created by power, and fuelled by adrenaline and the steel…
Elegy. A force to be reckoned with.
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