VIRGIN BLACK
"Sombre
Romantic" (The End; 2002)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Virgin Black's "Sombre Romantic" is put together very much in the classic composer style, as this Australian Gothic metal troupe takes great care in creating and maximizing drama and dynamics throughout the course of this 10 track release.
Melding black metal with touches of opera and Medieval music, Virgin Black's inspirations go far beyond your average extreme metal band's love for Cradle of Filth. There are vocal moments on this disc that will send chills down your spine - likened somewhat to a live Pavarotti concert - yet those instances are balanced out with some galloping guitar runs that give Dimmu Borgir a run for its mascara money.
In short, Virgin Black succeeds where other bands can't even compete. By giving the extreme metal listener something truly extreme, rather than rehashed heaviness or third-rate operatics, we get a work of art that Gothic rock fans will shed many a tear to.
For more information, check out www.virginblack.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 01 Apr 2024 10:34:42 -0500
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