A Quatrain for the Damned

First off, let me say this album is very obviously not for everyone. The evolution of goth-metal has left this type far behind. These days you're likely to hear some crazy La Vey follower screaming about blasphemy and goat molesting. Of course this band's lyrics seem to be about love, which more often than not is equally, if not more annoying. Anyway, on to the music...

A lot of the music is mid-paced, extremely symphonic metal. The operatic vocals are overwhelming, but true to the genre. You won't be hearing nightwish-type bs here, folks. Mid-pitched growls are used on the harsh side of vocals, as well as low spoken-word type vocals. There's quite a few techno samples used as breakdowns throughout the songs. The biggest factor in the music tends to be the beautiful violins used. I'm not sure if they had an orchestra to play with or not, but it does give that impression at times.

The guitars themselves use the clean chorus channel a lot. Plain distortion with some reverb is used as well. The drums are a disappointment in my opinion. They're definitely not being used to their full potential, and it truly sounds like they were half-assed through the entire record. Would have liked to hear more double bass.

Overall the album was magnificent at first. So why give it an average of 85? Unfortunately, after a few listens, every song does sound the same. I realize they were going for a particular sound, but it wouldn't have hurt to mix things up a bit. Also, no matter how much operatic vocals sound great at first, they will always eventually get annoying. Especially when the song is heading in a heavy direction, and turns completely upsidedown for another melodramatic female vocal part. Check this album out if you find it relatively cheap, but don't go out of your way to get it. Nothing you'll break your heart over.

Recommended Track(s): Until the Young Whore Sings, My Christ was Dark, Her Cruel Masque

Let me start off by saying this:

I have never been a fan of gothic metal, but I can’t help liking this album.

This album has everything you could ever want. It has both male and female vocals, harsh and clean. It has some great, no AWESOME keyboards going on, that fit the song perfectly, and the guitar and drums aren’t too bad either. Another thing I love about this album is the beautiful violins which make the experience so much more enjoyable.

The highlight for this album is probably the main female vocals. The vocalist has such a beautiful voice that just sucks you in and makes you love it.

Every song on this album is great, and must be listened to. I won’t bother going in-depth because nothing I say will do this album justice.

So to conclude, I suggest go out and get this fucking masterpiece, or at least download it. Do whatever you have to, because this is an album that should not be ignored.