I may have mentioned it once or twice, but I consider the Bangor-based, Welsh duo CELAVI to be the best thing in music since the invention of a loudspeaker. This nu-metal family outfit (the classic set up of husband and wife) are doing wonders for the British metal scene and my well being. I have never come across a band that is so approachable, so kind, so lovely that everybody who meets them, absolutely falls in love with their music and what they represent. Forget the 80’s and 90’s rock superstar persona with drug habits and trashed hotel rooms. The new standard is just like CELAVI – two normal, decent human beings having fun and loving creating music that will actually thank you for playing their song or reviewing their single. And this is why I truly love writing about them – their positivity, energy and attitude are what we all need in the era of constant conflict and toxic social media.
ANIMA EP cover
Official bio: CELAVI’s empowering, fierce and cathartic nu-EP “ANIMA” was released on Halloween, 31st October 2024. As the Latin name for the soul, “ANIMA” is an aggressive, loud and honest collection of nu-goth, nu-emo, and energetic glitched anthems, with metalcore, industrial, anime and drum’n’bass influences. The in-your-face, circle-pit worthy breakcore EP was produced by Grammy award nominated producer, Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, MOTÖRHEΛD, Holding Absence) with music videos by Loki Films (Slipknot, Sleep Token, Limp Bizki). CELAVI has been continuously supported by the BBC Introducing Rock with Alyx Holcombe and Future Alternative with Nels Hylton on BBC Radio 1 and by the BBC Wales among others.
“ANIMA”, the newest 5 track EP, was released just a few days ago and I feel truly privileged that we received a copy before it came out, it was really great to be able to listen to all those tracks ahead of the rest of the world. Now, whenever we review CELAVI, we are always asked, what genre of metal the band falls under? I’m not a fan of squeezing anybody into just one single genre, but it seems to be something that many people are interested in. The best answer I can give to folks who struggle to classify new genre-mixing bands, is to either come up with your own description or to accept that some of the metal bands right now, do not want to be classified at all. CELAVI is an act that seems to be bent on including as many genres in their songs as possible, and this has not changed on “ANIMA”. I’d say they went even further and added a lot more genres and musical references into their eclectic mix than before.
CELAVI by Andrew Benjamin/Andrew Cockerill Photography
I can hear some of our readers moaning, at least give us some pointers. I like to think of CELAVI as Rammstein x Juno Reactor x KMFDM x Lords of Acid x new nu-metal with female vocals and Slipknot drumming. Does it help anybody? In simpler terms, it’s modern nu metal with elements of industrial, techno, heavy metal, industrial dance music, acid techno, electronica, alternative dance, grindcore, new beat, thrashcore and pop. If I was to narrow it down even more – metal and techno, but such simplifications doesn’t do CELAVI any justice. Their music is rich, diverse, melted and mixed into their unique sound. It’s not just techno beats and metal riffs – Gwion and Sarah are weaving one of a kind musical spectacle that needs to be properly appreciated. Put on your headphones and you will hear the mastery at work – each sound, beat, noise, scratch, vibration has its own place and adds to the depth and harmony of their music. I really appreciate it’s hard to pinpoint what they do, but the whole fun is in finding different elements and similarities to other artists you know. If you are only listening to label a band, it’s the worst thing you can do, trust me.
“Anima” starts with the band’s latest single “l o w e r c a s e”, 3 and a half minute ode to early 90’s industrial inspired psy trance. The beginning reminds me of Juno Reactor (“Control”, “Conga Fury”), but once Sarah’s vocals come in, it feels like Gravity Kills remixed by Sven Väth. The onslaught of keys and drums at 2 minutes and 40 seconds mark are absolutely brilliant, just a powerful sonic kick.
“Bite My Tongue” is very NDH (Neue Deutsche Härte) with symphonic elements a la Within Temptation and solid hard rock foundation of Halestorm. It’s probably my favourite track on this EP – slowly paced, cleverly produced and radio friendly with half sung/half whispered vocals. This is one of three tracks from “ANIMA” with an official music video, the other two being “l o w e r c a s e” and “Iodine”.
We reviewed “Iodine” separately on our blog in September – the track number three was written after Sarah was diagnosed with serious illness and it’s probably the darkest, heaviest number out of the 5 recorded on “ANIMA”. Emotional, pure industrial track that will make you think about how fragile our health can be and how lucky we are when we are healthy.
I’m not sure why “Lullaby” was included as a song number 4, maybe it would have been better placed as an opener for the EP as it was the band’s first collaboration with Romesh Dodangoda. It came out as a single in December of 2022, and you can actually hear it’s much different than the other tracks. Compared to “Iodine” or “Bite My Tongue”, “Lullaby” feels a bit old, this is what happens with transition songs when bands are moving from one sound to another. Working with Dodangoda really helped CELAVI to find their footing as a band and develop their current style. “Lullaby” is sitting a bit on the fence here – it’s the old CELAVI meets the new CELAVI, kind of an experiment where to go musically. It’s still a lovely track, Stabbing Westward inspired, but not fitting thoroughly well with the rest. I like it as a reminder of where the band was in the past, but maybe “ANIMA” could have been just a 4 track EP? It’s not a complaint, but I really think a newer track would blend more smoothly than an older one.
The last number, “Eyeliner” is a brilliant finisher: fast, melodic, good for singing along. I have a feeling it will be the perfect finisher for their live shows too; you know, one last hurrah to jump, mosh and shout before the curtain falls. There is nothing more cathartic than a song that allows the audience to get all their emotions out.
To sum everything up: “ANIMA” is a really great EP. It offers nearly 20 minutes of high quality, well produced music that is varied, interesting and absolutely delightful.
I wish the band could add one premiere composition to replace “Lullaby” that sadly is the EP’s weakest link but it’s a minor grumble from somebody who has been following CELAVI for nearly two years now. I can promise you one thing – if you like nu metal and industrial music, you will have a blast listening to “ANIMA”. At this moment, CELAVI are one of the best new Welsh acts out there so catch them live if they are playing near you.
CELAVI online:
https://www.wearecelavi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WEARECELAVI/
https://www.instagram.com/wearecelavi/
https://twitter.com/wearecelavi
https://soundcloud.com/wearecelavi
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OEzNJIkgsH8PTw0y86ATx?si=bo7MdX3-Q1O_nfbhpgAziw&nd=1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVqtR652vnb9pwo89ek2Y2g
https://www.tiktok.com/@wearecelavi
https://www.threads.net/@wearecelavi
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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