CoC : Lacrimosa - Echoes : Review

Lacrimosa - _Echoes_
(Nuclear Blast, 2003)
by: Quentin Kalis (8.5 out of 10)

For those who may be tempted to dismiss Lacrimosa as a "mere goth band" and therefore of no interest, pause and consider why a "mere goth band" has attracted the attention of a traditionally metal label. Numerous reasons can be given, but one simple listen will be enough to dismiss practically all conceivable reasons as inconsequential: Lacrimosa is a damn good band. Period. Goth is not an entirely accurate description, especially given the traditional stereotype of woe-is-me odes delivered in an Eldritch-esque baritone, to the accompaniment of cheesy synths and an overly repetitive drum machine. While Lacrimosa does contain typically gothic male vocals, there is a certain indescribable quality to his voice elevating it above and beyond the goth generic. _Echoes_ bravely (if not stupidly!) opens with a thirteen minute classically inspired number that has a darkly ethereal beauty all of its own. This is not the simplistic keyboard tinkling of early Mortiis -- like ambience, but a genuine attempt at recreating classical music. A similar track acts as the album's closer. Book ended in-between are six more traditionally minded songs, yet still maintaining the same darkly beautiful atmosphere. In the hands of a lesser band this could degenerate into something simplistic and cheesy (see Inkubus Sukkubus), but the Lacrimosa duo clearly possess the requisite skill to pull it off -- clearly Therion and Dimmu Borgir are not the only bands deserving of a backing symphony orchestra!

(article published 21/9/2003)

ALBUMS
1/14/2002	A Bromley	3	Lacrimosa - Fassade
8/12/1999	A Cantwell	6	Lacrimosa - Elodia