theatre of tragedy forever is the world

Released: 18 September 2009 Label: AFM

Another goth metal band from Stavanger, Norway that make use of the female soprano and the male death growl, but Theatre of Tragedy were one of the first to do so, forming over fifteen years ago. Line-up changes saw former vocalist Liv Kristine (vocals on Cradle of Filth’s Nymphetamine and now front woman of Leaves' Eyes) replaced by current female vocalist Nell Sigland for her second album with the band, their seventh studio album.

Sigland has a lighter, more pop voice than some of the more operatic sounds of similar bands. She takes on the majority of the vocals on this album, but where the male growls do show it works reasonably well and is more diverse. Opener Hide and Seek is a pretty strong start, showing what the band are about. Male growls and then a burst of light female vocals from Sigland mastering a catchy chorus, despite the doom-laden tinges, surrounded by keys and riffs. Sadly the middle songs lose momentum somewhat, but the end of the CD is slightly stronger with classic melancholy and gloomy atmospheric beauty in Frozen.

Forever is the World sees them returning more to their origins and fans that loved them around the Aegis era will no doubt hugely appreciate this latest offering which is darker and more gothic than the previous industrial / electro style.

by Lynn Wyeth