As a record collector, I have to admit that the wonderful world of the 7” single still holds an enormous appeal for me. I come from a time when record shops would dedicate an entire wall to the current singles chart. No Spotify, no algorithms, no digital noise — just tangible vinyl, sleeves to flip through, and that short, direct statement of two tracks per side.
Nowadays, these small records have become increasingly rare. Production costs are significant and the commercial incentive is limited, especially in an era where everything is expected to be instant and disposable. Yet, particularly deep within the underground, there are still bands and musicians who continue to embrace the 7” format. Not merely out of nostalgia, but because it perfectly suits a uncompromising vision: short, sharp, and free of unnecessary excess.
Elesinore is the latest project from Giorgio Trombino, a veteran of the Italian underground scene. His name will already ring a bell for many thanks to his involvement with bands such as Assumption, Shrieking Demons, Haemophagus, and Thyssia. With Elsinore, he explores slightly different territory without abandoning his roots. The project debuts with a 7” EP featuring two solid Death/Speed Metal crushers.
These tracks breathe and sweat the 1980s: raw riffs, driving tempos, and an atmosphere that recalls old tape trades and smoke-filled basements alike. At the same time, a subtle blackened edge creeps in here and there, preventing Elsinore from slipping into pure retro worship. This is no museum piece, but a living, biting release that proves the 7” single can still be a relevant weapon in the hands of the right musician.
Unfortunately, with only two tracks, the single does feel rather short. Tombstone Hex barely passes the two-minute mark and, in my opinion, could easily have left room for a third song. Still, that remains the artist’s choice — and one that deserves respect, especially when it’s a conscious aesthetic decision tied to such a classic format.
The release comes via the legendary Caligari Records from Florida, a label that has long stood for high-quality underground releases with a genuine old-school spirit. How easily this 7” will be available here in old Europe remains to be seen, but regardless, it is certainly a release worth seeking out — if only to remind yourself that the spirit of the 7” single is far from dead.
80/100
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