Eternal Tears of Sorrow 'Chaotic Beauty'
Spinefarm, 2000
Lord Pale:
Ever wondered what Children of Bodom would sound like if they went a little Gothic? Well try Eternal Tears of Sorrow. Finland is reknowned for its own brand of overly melodic light death metal and Chaotic Beauty is no exception. Although reasonably slower than C.O.B, Eternal Tears of Sorrow still play the same brand of rocky riffing interspered with trade of guitar, keyboard solos and heavy synth accompanyment. The singer also sounds much the same as C.O.B's with raspy yet clearly understandable vocal delivery and occasional deathy growls. The keyboards however cheesey they seem at times are well written and add alot of depth to the music and add to its appeal on the whole with really flowery piano passages and synth. The lyrics focus on Gothic themes as does the artwork and album cover which help set the lyrical mood for the album. Apart from not being highly original, ETOS do a fine job of creating truly-catchy and memorable material in a genre that is quickly becoming flooded with impersonator bands, whist retaining enough variation to keep the listeners attention throughout the entire album. The addition of some female vocals by guest vocalist Kimberly Goss (Synergy) adds another welcome element to their style that further highlights their Gothic undertones. Overall a highly refreshing album even the Swano cover 'Black Tears' sits well and hardly sounds out of place.
Favourite Tracks - Nocturnal Strains, Bride of the Crimson Sea, Shattered Soul
Mark - 8/10
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