Forbidden Fruit

Released in 2000, Forbidden Fruit represents a pivotal moment for the Dutch band Elegy. While their earlier work helped define the neoclassical power metal sound, this album leans harder into the 'progressive' side of their identity. It features the distinctive high-register vocals of Ian Parry, whose ability to navigate complex rhythmic structures while maintaining a melodic hook is central to the album's success. The production is characteristic of the era: clean, punchy, and highly separated, allowing the listener to track the intricate bass lines and keyboard flourishes even during the most intense passages. The tracklist is generous, featuring 15 songs that range from short, punchy technical exercises to the seven-minute epic 'Til Eternity. Critically, it is often cited as one of the more sophisticated entries in the European power metal canon, bridging the gap between the shred-heavy 90s and the more atmospheric progressive metal of the 21st century.