Virgin Black

Item: Sombre Romantic
Author: sesspool

Sombre Romantic

(2000)

Reviewed by sesspool

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Label Massacre RecordsDead Zine2000

doom metal experimental gothic metal symphonic metal

I have attempted, ever since obtaining this cd from cornerstone '01, to give this album less than a 10 rating... searching... if for but one thing to give it a lowered rating. yet I find that as time goes on, and I listen to the album in varying situations, moods, volumes, qualities... I find that this album is nothing short of perfection. There is not a single area on this cd, not a single second that is too drawn out, too goth, too metal, too much vocals, too loud music, not hard enough, or anything... from the first second this cd begins to play to the thundering climactic ending... this cd is easily in the top 3, if not the top cd of all time.

With no spared emotions... no holding back on what is wanting to be said... Virgin Black dares to impede upon the music scene with elegant accusations; painful laments; beautiful, heart-wrenching praise; mourning self-reflection; and all the great stuff you'd expect from an absolute gothic-metal album. This album is so full of perfectly executed emotion that it almost feels wrong to review... as though you're judging an individual and claiming them worthy or not... this album is one of the more potent experiences you will ever partake of. Yet I feel almost obligated to review this album... to show the world of metal music exactly how much each person needs to own this album.

From the start of the album, through the third song, the music flows well enough to seem as though it is one song... yet separate enough to be differing tracks. There are moments in the disc that offer so much sound, it seems a full orchestra is pounding the music out live... actually, it's not far off... from cello and piano, a choir, drums, keyboard ambiance, guitars, bass... this is one complete production musically. The fact that the music directly reflects the emotion in the lyrics and vocals only manages to make the album more fantastic than it is without listening to the entire package. The musical riffs singular are usually simplistic in nature, yet at times there are some very technical and interesting riffs implemented midst it all... often in the background... often unheard unless concentrated upon... this is one of those albums that one listen through will NOT give the listener a full benefit. Each riff plays an important part in the overall masterpiece of this album... every cymbal strike... every vocal effect or vocal type... every guitar stroke, every stereo effect... from the distinct distance sound of the bass drum to the treble-ridden guitar distortion, it was all placed with intent and placed well.

The lyrics are truly some of the most emotional and metaphoric lyrics I've ever seen. Many of the words written and sung bring tears to me just thinking about them and their context... many-a-time have I found myself on my knees weeping as the album is finishing with "a poet's tears of porcelain" ... or find my heart broken in reflection of my flesh against the grace of my God when listening to "lamenting kiss".

I honestly could write all day about the greatness of this album... truly could. yet I guess all that's left to say is that I have not been more pleased with a musical purchase... almost ever. let it be known... Christian or non-Christian... there is almost no album that can stand on the level with this album. there is no reason to neglect this album and not experience its greatness.

10/10