We are always a bit skeptical about the “show-off”-trend of the music business nowadays and we would like to tread this path very carefully. For sure there is one thing that has to be said and it is “THANK YOU, ELVENLEGIONS”. Thanks to all the ones that listened to us on the digital platforms this year and to all the ones that bought a physical copy of our albums. This year saw a bit of turmoil for our band since we had a last-minute change of label in mid-late 2024 but that in the end made us happily release our last album “Reader of the Runes - Luna” in 2025. An album that ended the trilogy we started in 2017 and that marks a watershed moment for Elvenking. As an extension of this, the Children of Bodom cover anticipated the next release which will be a special one. Then we’ll be free to come up with a new album full of new energies and inspirations. Stay with us also in 2026 and we’ll discover all of this together. STAY METAL. STAY PAGAN. #wrapped #spotifywrapped #elvenking

As it seems the majority of you is interested in checking the setlist of the FIRST EVER gig played by Elvenking, here it is: 1. To oak woods bestowed 2. White Willow 3. Banquet of Bards 4. Dr Stein (HELLOWEEN cover) 5. Oakenshield 6. Infinite Dreams (IRON MAIDEN cover) 7. Under the Tree of Us’dum It took place at DEMOS CLUB in Camisano Vicentino, Italy – We cannot find the correct date but it should be in the very first months of 2000. Line up: Damnagoras: Vocals & bass Aydan: Guitars Jarpen (Dag’or’dil at the time): Guitars Zender (Stormgald at the time): Drums Together with it an incredible pic of that night (blurry yes, but at the time there still were things called cameras) that marked the one and only live show with Damnagoras in the double role on vocals & Bass. Aydan remembers: “As some of you already know, when we started the band in 1997 we deliberately took the decision to not play live until we were secured a number of decent own songs at hands. We locked ourselves in our rehearsal room from August 1998 -when Zender joined the band and completed the line up - until December 1999 - when we entered New sin Studios to record our one and only demo “To oak woods bestowed” - in order to focus 100% on songwriting the best material possible at the time. We never played live before the recordings of TOWB. There are still amazing songs out of that long songwriting session unreleased and unrecorded and would be great to bring them to life one day” Damna on his days as bass player: “At that time I started playing bass in the band because we were missing a bass player and, since I am also a guitarist, it was the easiest choice. I recorded the demo and did this single show à la Blind Guardian (in times when Hansi was still singing and playing bass), and it was just great. Still, it was very demanding, since Elvenking’s vocal parts are not exactly the easiest thing in the world, so we then naturally transitioned to the first‑album lineup.” #elvenking #tooakwoodsbestowed #firstlivegig #setlist

“What should we say about COB? they’re great! I feel quite lucky to have catched them live at least once! Was so cool to have the opportunity to play one of their songs, hope we get to do this again!” Symohn - 2025 #elvenking #childrenofbodom #metal

“Here is a picture right after I recorded the violin parts of Children of Decadence. I was very happy to accept the challenge and record some strings for our version of the song. COB are such an iconic band and it was about time we paid a tribute to them! Follow the fiddler!” Lethien - 2025 #elvenking #childrenofbodom #metal

“So far, I’ve met many other guitarists and musicians, and there’s never been anyone who hasn’t been inspired by Children of Bodom in some way. I’ve had several experiences of paying tribute to or covering one of their songs (or at least trying to, haha) with friends and colleagues, but today, doing an official tribute with my band for the Reaper Entertainment label is a satisfaction I can’t describe. For some, Children of Bodom has been a real cult band, ranking first in terms of their personal taste. I am one of those people.” Headmatt - 2025 #elvenking #childrenofbodom #metal

“Children of Bodom are one of the first bands of their kind I’ve listened to in my teens. Some may call them “extreme”, but the truth is they were artists of outstanding refinement and class - just look in their discography for their countless classical references, with a real admiration for Mozart’s legacy, who’s always been my all time favourite as well. An essential part of my musical background!” Jakob - 2025 #elvenking #childrenofbodom #metal