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 The sounds are not cold and icy like those of Scandinavian groups, on the contrary, they are warm and enveloping, at times almost maritime.

 The Blu Infinito offer us an excellent demo, and although there are some naiveties, I feel inclined to recommend this album to all lovers of less canonical melodic death and the aforementioned bands.

Blu Infinito, a Sardinian band formed in 2003, delivers a compelling melodic death demo with 'The Futility Songs.' Combining influences from Opeth and other genres like black, prog, and gothic metal, their sound is warm and evocative. The three tracks are complex, mixing aggressive and emotional passages with excellent instrumentation and vocals. Despite some naiveties, this demo is highly recommended for fans of diverse melodic death metal. Listen to Blu Infinito's 'The Futility Songs' demo now and experience a fresh take on melodic death metal!

 Fenriz and Nocturno Culto have managed once again to recreate glacial and nocturnal atmospheres, filled with evil, suffering, and desolation as only the best black metal can do.

 Listening to Black Metal is nothing other than coming into contact with your dark half.

Darkthrone's Sardonic Wrath builds on their legendary black metal legacy with stronger 80s influences and their signature dark, oppressive atmosphere. The album preserves the raw, visceral qualities that define their sound, featuring standout tracks full of cruelty and mysticism. Dedicated to Quorthon of Bathory, it balances aggression with eerie melodies. Recommended for fans of traditional metal and newcomers alike. Dive into Darkthrone's Sardonic Wrath and experience the raw power of true black metal today!

 The music is rich in arrangements and certainly nothing is left to chance, but in many passages it is so commercial and insubstantial it’s frightening.

 A brilliantly produced CD, perfect in its intent but definitely not recommended for lovers of old Theatre Of Tragedy (and classic gothic).

Leaves' Eyes' debut album Lovelorn offers symphonic and atmospheric metal executed with professional production. The band members come from established backgrounds, and Liv Kristine leads the vocals, but the album falls short of emotional depth and originality. Growled vocals feel out of place, and many songs lack substance, making it less appealing to gothic or Theatre Of Tragedy fans. Discover Leaves' Eyes Lovelorn to judge its epic style and strong production, but be ready for a lack of emotional depth.

 A dark yet grandiose album, with a barely 18-year-old Floor reaching an extraordinary level of expressivity.

 A masterpiece of Gothic Metal. To all fans of these sounds, I recommend listening to After Forever’s first effort.

After Forever’s debut album Prison Of Desire stands as a landmark Gothic Metal release, blending dark atmospheres with neoclassical and progressive elements. Floor Jansen shines with expressive vocals, supported by Mark Jansen’s distinctive songwriting. The album offers a unique mix of heavy riffs, choirs, and orchestration, creating a grandiose and emotional experience. Recommended strongly to fans of gothic and symphonic metal genres. Listen to After Forever’s debut album Prison Of Desire and experience a Gothic Metal masterpiece today!

 "The CD opens with the violin notes of 'The Flame Of Wrath,' a beautiful and dark piece, which alternates aggressive and heavy moments with softer and more relaxing ones."

 "A masterpiece of intensity... A very terrifying and scary piece, no doubt about it."

Perpetual Desolation marks a stylistic shift for The Sins Of Thy Beloved towards a more dynamic and aggressive gothic metal sound. The blend of death-influenced guitars, violin, keyboards, and electronics creates a dark, atmospheric horror vibe. Highlights include tracks like "Forever" and "Pandemonium," with emotional intensity surpassing the debut. Though originality is limited, the album remains a strong recommendation for dual-voice Gothic Metal fans. Discover the dark and intense world of Perpetual Desolation—listen now and experience gothic metal at its emotional best!

 The Finnish quintet creates music suitable for taverns, country festivals, revelry, and alcoholic beverages.

 Tapio Wilska's growl is truly impressive... at times graceless and vulgar, at times intense and almost regal.

Finntroll's third album 'Nattfödd' showcases a unique blend of extreme metal and Finnish humppa, creating an energetic, festive folk metal experience. The album balances intense growls with playful, atmospheric tracks suited for lively occasions. Notable songs include 'Trollhammaren' and the evocative title track. Overall, it's recommended for those seeking quality, entertaining metal music. Listen to Finntroll's 'Nattfödd' and dive into a spirited fusion of folk and metal!

 If you love darker atmospheres and the sounds of the night, make this masterpiece yours.

 The bad production further accentuates the sublime atmospheres of the work: at times dark and obscure, at times foggy and magical.

Soria Moria Slott is the 1996 debut album by Norwegian band Dismal Euphony, blending melodic and atmospheric black metal with folk influences. Despite poor production, the album’s dark, immersive ambiance shines through. Vocal performances by Keltziva and Ole stand out, supported by Elin's keyboards and acoustic instruments. The album is a complex, haunting journey suited for fans of deep, night-themed music. Dive into the dark, melodic world of Soria Moria Slott—listen now and experience this black metal masterpiece!

 The songs are little gems, just like little souvenirs from a fascinating journey.

 Let yourself be lulled by the dreamlike visions created by Anneke’s voice.

The Gathering's 2003 album Souvenirs represents a unique blend of dreamy psychedelic rock and electronic elements under the label Psychonaut Records. This album showcases Anneke's enhanced and versatile vocal performance across hypnotic and emotionally rich songs. Described as 'Trip Rock', Souvenirs builds on the band's decades-long evolution, requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate its complex and enchanting soundscapes. The review highlights standout tracks and praises the album's originality and emotional depth. Discover The Gathering's mesmerizing trip rock album Souvenirs—listen now and immerse yourself in its dreamy soundscapes!

 "The album is very refined and complex, and despite the experimentation, it sounds very dark and gothic."

 "Hatred Grows is one of the best tracks on the CD, really varied in atmospheres: from desolate to desert, to even mystical."

Tristania's 'World Of Glass' marks a shift towards more complex and darker gothic metal with experimental elements. The album features baritone vocals, Gregorian chant influences, and electronic inserts. It’s a concept album about sin’s resignation, blending intricate and atmospheric compositions. Despite its complexity and departure from earlier work, it remains a refined and compelling piece for fans of sophisticated gothic metal. Discover the dark, intricate world of Tristania’s 'World Of Glass' and experience gothic metal like never before.

 The keyboards... manage to give the tracks an almost mystical aura.

 Every time he sings, I feel a pang in my heart.

Dimmu Borgir's 1994 debut album 'For All Tid' remains a defining work of Norwegian black metal. The album's icy atmosphere and mystical keyboards set it apart, with Shagrath's vocals heightening its emotional depth. Despite some criticism on production, the raw sound contributes to the album's unique aura. Its interconnected tracks and evocative titles make it a must-listen for black metal fans. Discover the chilling beauty of Dimmu Borgir's 'For All Tid'—a must-listen for black metal enthusiasts!