|
Theatre Of Tragedy
Musique
I suppose Norway would be one of the last locations I would have expected as the source for such an unlikely, genre-splicing sound. Dishearteningly, their cumbersome band name clumps them with a majority of those Scandie post-goth tradesman. Not that Theatre of Tragedy didn’t begin by locking arms with the barbarous riffage and grotesque imagery of the black musical arts, oddly sung in romantic Olde Englishe for their ’95 debut. But in an experimental whirlwind of electro-pop instrumentation, soothing trip hop filterings, and ethereal/spiritual grandeur, ToT are catalysts for a new fusion that spans from the dark rumblings of doom metal to the carefree musings of the lightest, daydream pop. While he-man vocalist Raymond Rohonniy and guitarist Frank Claussen defiantly hack away at the heavier elements, female vocalist Liv Kristine Espenaes and keyboardist Lorentz Aspen tactfully decorate with techno blasts, trippy loops, and angelic harmonies for an enigmatic blend that’s poised for a stateside commercial breakthrough (ala No Doubt and Garbage). Like the catchy, mellifluous keyboard line that dominates their Euro-hit, “Image,” once your hooked, the power of the surging riffs and the sensual twist of Liv Kristine’s lyrics are unforgettable. –chip edwards (Nuclear Blast, P.O. Box 43618, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
|
