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Rating:
THE REVIEW
You see darkness and you keep searching for a bit of light, but there isn't any.
No, light exists only as an antagonist to the entirety that envelops this incredible, surreal atmosphere, never before created by anyone. A light that, when you want to see it in Liv's voice, always and inevitably transforms into the darkness of Raymond's voice.
You always see darkness, in the insistent hands of Lorentz on those keyboards that still mean sadness, alienation... And that often accompany Liv's sweet singing. A drum often slow, still too doom to be the expression of the near future of this Norwegian group who once made one of the best records ever played: "Velvet Darkness They Fear."
Don't expect great solos, in fact there aren't any. Not even intricate networks of coordinated sounds. Only leaden, dark, wintry atmosphere. The rest comes naturally. Don't think you're listening to an easy album, it doesn't get you right away: after two years of listening to it, I continue to discover new images, sensations, emotions...
Just think about yourselves, closed in darkness in the darkest place of your soul...
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Summary by Bot
This review highlights the unique dark and surreal atmosphere of Theatre of Tragedy’s Velvet Darkness They Fear. It focuses on the contrast between Liv Kristine’s sweet vocals and Raymond Rohonyi’s dark voice, supported by melancholic keyboards and slow, doom-inspired drums. The album is praised for its emotional depth and lasting impact, rewarding repeated listens with new feelings and images.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Theatre of Tragedy
Theatre of Tragedy were a Norwegian band formed in Stavanger in 1994, widely associated with early gothic/doom metal and the “beauty and the beast” vocal contrast. Their catalogue is frequently discussed for its major stylistic shifts, from doom-tinged gothic metal into more electronic and industrial/pop-leaning territory, and later releases featuring a new female vocalist after Liv Kristine’s departure.13 Reviews
Other reviews
By OzzyRotten
All the parts that make up this work are in their place according to a precise, thoughtful, fascinating, and eccentrically sad purpose.
A brilliant interplay of growl and sweetness, like a deadly game: beauty, even if mysterious and with a vague dangerous scent, and ferocity measured and trapped in a universal and objectifying dismay.
By Noctifero
"The duel is between the growl of Raymond I. Rohonyi and the stunning voice of the angelic (and historic) Liv Kristine."
"The end of a masterpiece you would never want to stop listening to."
