Trail Of Tears - Bloodstained Endurance [Album]
 

In the final part of the Napalm/SPV records special we take a trip to the gothic side of life (and this review is being written on what is being coined as Goth Day so perfect timing!)

Norway in metal terms to the majority reminds people of the Lords Of Chaos set that burnt churches, made records about Satan, killed themselves and stabbed other members back in the 1990’s.

You’ll be pleased to know Trail Of Tears are a completely different animal in regards to the Lords, sure there’s dark lyrics and there’s the growl of Ronny Thorsen but other than that the black metal connotations end there.

There’s an number of elements that makes this follow the template of gothic metal: add an orchestra, change the lineup quite regularly (as seen in the Cradle Of Filth playbook) and get a female opera singer (Nightwish, Within Temptation, ANY female gothic band!)

Now you’re thinking I’m going to say ‘they’re good but it’s nothing new compared to Nightwish etc’… and that was a thought at first but then Farewell to sanity kicked in.

Probably the perfect balance on the album of the styles the lyrics are more King Diamond ‘Them’ era and make you realise that the style’s still going to follow the elements but at least they’re trying hard to be different in some regards.

The album overall is one that even new fans can jump onto as it’s a new era for the band both line up and musically (apparently the last album was more finding how to make the lineup assembled following a walk out by the previous band work) it’s a band finding their way.

Recommended for fans of Nightwish and 90’s gothic metal in general.