"Perpetual desolation" CD by Sins Of Thy Beloved

by Alexander Ertner (04/00) What am I to say? On the one hand, the current album of the seven (!!!) Norwegians is a milestone for each Gothic head around. On the other hand, I wonder where the innovation went? Sure, you're right. Also "Perpetial Desolation" is packed with deeply touching arrangements, with a permanent violin, the classic duet vocals of growls, screams and female sirens. A lot of bombast and the fat production provides the rest of the feast. And that Gothic cannpot be defined by the old standards any more, is clear, too. Consequently, the band incorporates Death/Black attacks, too and by doing so perfectly sticks to its roots. Yet, there are some changes on THE SINS OF THY BELOVED. It's faster, new experiences led to a more joyous use of instruments and here and there we encounter some effects. But is that all? I'd say, yes. The result is one of the best releases of this genre in 2000. But still, one might wonder what the future has in stock for them. Maybe we will see on the next tour, which should make clear how far this band can go. (Alexander Ertner - 07/02)