"Ashes" direction was perhaps hinted at in Tristania's previous release "World of Glass", but almost all of what was once Tristania, and their "over-the-top-echoing-cathedral" gothic style, is now a distant memory. I for one sit on the fence as to whether this is a good thing or not - as I could never claim to be a super fan of the band.
While there is no denying that "Beyond the Veil"-era Tristania were at the very height of their game, I'm not going to let the change in style spoil my enjoyment of this album. Despite my own worries - I really enjoyed this record.
Gone is the over-layering of 78 different "fake choir" effects in favour of a much more straightforward "metal" sound. Indeed, you'll be hard pressed to detect where the keyboards are actually used on any particular song. Songs like "The Wretched" and "Bird" even feature guitar work that wouldn't sound out of place in an old Thrash Metal tune.
Along with the heavier aspect their are also a fair few "acoustic/ambient" numbers, giving the listener a brief respite from the harsh screams of new front man Kjetil, in favour of the more velvet tones of Osten Bergoy, or long-term female vocalist Vibeke, who I feel could have perhaps been utilised a little more throughout the record. The drumming is particularly effective on this release, and parts of the album (particularly "Endogenesis") can't help but remind me of the acoustic tones of "Blackwater Park" era Opeth.
All very positive so far admittedly, but something about the album doesn't sit right.
Perhaps, this could be the sound of a band that isn't entirely sure WHAT they want to be any more. It isn't a complete departure of course - the fact that new material sat comfortably with old during their recent live tour, and actually sounded great, proves there is promise in the material. The main problem I find with some songs - is the tendency to meander rather than actually make any sort of point. "Equilibrium" (as nice as the song is) is totally guilty of this - leaving you waiting and waiting for the big crescendo - that sadly never materialises.
This occasional occurrence, along with a lull in the mid-section of the album, sometimes leaves you wishing some of the filler was as good as the titanic "Libre" or the epic album closer "Bird", which truly are fabulous slices of aggressive, highly charged gothic metal. Not a classic then, but by no means bad either. Atmospheric and charged - if not in the way some people would like - I look forward to where Tristania head next - with added interest.
Standout Tracks: Bird, Libre, Endogenesis.
Overall Score: 7 /10
