Eternal Tears of Sorrow - Before the Bleeding Sun (2006)
Full-length, Spinefarm Records
May 3rd, 2006
01. Sweet Lilith of My Dreams
02. Another Me
03. Red Dawn Rising
04. Upon the Moors
05. Sakura No Rei
06. Sinister Rain
07. Lost Rune of Thunder
08. Tar Still Flows
09. Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act I: Before the Bleeding Sun)
"There are those albums that are always hard to find in a genre of metal that really stick out. There are a lot of albums that I really enjoy, but rarely have I found them unique enough to listen to them beyond once every few weeks. This album is completely different. I had found this gem before I had ever grown a taste in symphonic metal, and always found it nothing more than great. After listening to it for the fifth time recently, I decided to review it. My opinions on the album have completely changed since I first put it threw my speakers.
First off, this is different from the other Eternal Tears of Sorrow albums. If you’ve listened too Chaotic Beauty or A Virgin and a Whore, you’ll know that the sound is rather different. This album has hints of gothic metal in it, something that the other albums don’t. Guitar work is cleaner as opposed to the other 2 albums before this. On the most part, Gothenburg riffs are present mixed in with the odd few gothic metal riffs. Take notice on this, as it really helps the overall sound that they put into this album quite successful. It’s also a bit slower than their older albums, but also much better in terms of solos and riffs.
Atmosphere wise, you’re getting the same Eternal Tears of Sorrow. The sound may have changed; however, they maintain every atmospheric element from before. The way they deliver though on this one, is through the symphonic elements. Unlike the other older material, the keyboards really drive the sound they obtained on Before the Bleeding Sun rather than it being the guitars. Perfect examples are during “Another Me” and “Sinister Rain”. However, just because the keyboards are most present doesn’t mean you can’t hear every instrument. Everything is easily heard, with a very well done production summing up to excellent sound and atmosphere. If you want melancholy, this is the album for you.
If you enjoy Skyfire, you owe it to yourself to check this release out. If you happen to be a gothic metal fan, I’d strongly recommend this to you. It’s perfect, having a really nice flow that no other band has really put out for the genre."
Myspace> http://www.myspace.com/etos1
Download> http://safelix.com/io0a74k
