THEATRE OF TRAGEDY - Velvet Darkness They Fear 1996

This post would certainly not coming now, but one of my ex-girlfriends introduce me to them at the end of the nineties in form of a tape sampler with two songs on it and after the separation I bought this CD twenty-five years ago. Suitable for the weather, suitable for smoldering in nostalgia, suitable for cuddling; music from Scandinavia!

Theatre Of Tragedy consisting of Liv (soprano vocals), Raymond (vocals), Geir & Tommy (guitars) , Eirik (bass), Hein (drums), Lorentz (piano & synthesizer), and was a combo from Stavanger, originally assembled in 1993 and active until 2010. They started out as a doom and death metal band before becoming more of a Gothic rock band. Velvet Darkness They Fear is their second one, released via Massacre Records, and continued the bands particular brand of this style. Their sound is particularly defined by alternating and occasionally overlapping male death grunts with spherical female vocals, and this combination, which was copied later by many metal/alternative bands, is generally known as 'Beauty & The Beast'. Singer Raymond Rohonyis continues his early modern English lyrics in the nine songs. "Der Tanz Der Schatten", which is written in German, is the exception. The songs themselves rarely have a clear story, but death, undeath, demons and similar supernatural elements are all in the foreground. The lyrics to the songs are referred to in the sleeve notes as "pieces", "poems" and a "self-talk", depending on the roles the singers play. "The record is an impressive collection of beautifully crafted anthems, but at the same time are leaner, punchier, more melodic and emotional. The result is an album that is much more accessible, memorable and enjoyable than its predecessor, which is why many consider it the high point of the band’s career. The band’s line-up is largely unchanged relative to the debut album.... interesting band anyway, that can combine feelings and music in such a way that wild beasts are transformed into tame puppies and made a beautiful chapter in the history of dark heavy music."

A real masterpiece and definitely one of the best albums in this genre. TOP!!!

here