Napalm Records

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Tristania

‘Rubicon’ is a new chapter in the history of Norwegian gothic metal band Tristania. A band that became famous for its strong ensemble of high female vocals, grunts and orchestrations. With each album they challenged themselves to develop their sound and discover new paths to follow. In 2007, one of the best female vocalists, Vibeke Stene, decided to part ways with the band and suddenly they had lost their intense factor and frontwoman. Only Einar Moen (keyboards) and Anders Høyvik Hidle (grunts, guitars) are the only remaining members of the original line-up. Mariangela Demurtas is now the new face of Tristania, trading the soprano vocals for a more modern sound. On this seventh Tristania album, they new vocalist sounds very convincing, those harmonies are the strongest trademark of Tristania.

The opening track “Year Of The Rat” has everything a song needs to become a hit. Not only besides the catchy melody lines, it also unites everything Tristania stands for nowadays. The fans will recognize the catchy sound from ‘Illumination’ (2007) with dominating drums by Tarald Lie Jr. versus the melodic keyboards. On top of this, there’s the strong voice of Mariangela, in duet with Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation). The album creates high expectations and it also reveals that the band spent a lot of time on details, an excellent production. It all fits perfectly and after some time you will discover more layers in the songs. For instance the dark, intense whisper from Østen Bergøy, who isn’t a permanent member anymore, although he wrote many lyrics for ‘Rubicon’.

“Protection” is a much darker song, where Demutras shows a deeper part of her voice. It shows a strong bond with the band’s roots, they excel during a rising climax with deep grunts by Anders. The adrenaline level grows during “Patriot Games”: a very progressive, guitar dominated song, with influences from Lacuna Coil. Kjetil is a unique vocalist, guiding you through many emotions. A strong component is the poetry in the lyrics.

Tristania’s sound is not only bombastic, it is minimalistic, too on “The Passing” with Ole Vistnes on bass (and vocals), slowly dragging you down into an unknown adventure. Then Pete Johansen appears with an enchanting violin sound, time-travelling into ‘World Of Glass’ (2001) with a beautiful ensemble of voices fluently becoming one. No words can describe that special feeling. “Exil” is a perfect blending of doomy, dark mail voices, a raw Mariangela representing a strong emotional inner strength. This line is continued on “Sirens”.

“Vulture” is a raw diamond. It starts with a basic beat with Kjetil and drums, growing into a diversity of vocals. Futuristic bass and guitar parts create a new dimension, Mariangela does not play a role in every song and that makes ‘Rubicon’ a real challenge, unpredictable, filled with creativity. The long-expected violin returns on “Amnesia” which refers to the band’s debut album. A ballad so fragile, painting a wide landscape of harmonies.

“Megical Mix” is definitely the most experimental song on the album and it shakes you up. Here Mariangela has something in common with Vibeke. Vocal-wise, a totally new course is found in uprising spoken parts, screams and a high serene intermezzo.

“Illumination” is the last surprise on this album, with a Norwegian spoken part as dark as the night. A unforgettable climax by Osten. The song has a pop structure, but Mariangela fluently becomes one with the main vocal lines. Instead of a contrast, it becomes a massive wall of power. This time the instruments are more dominant in the mixt, creating switches between acoustic, light guitar parts by Anders and Gury Smørdal Losnegaard, to an aggressive metal sound.

Conclusion:

‘Rubicon’ is the crown on twelve years of Tristania: unique, powerful, and unforgettable! They invented this format and are still standing strong, making a powerful statement for a promising future. This band deserves your attention, because it is back on top of the gothic metal scene. Tristania makes simply beautiful music with strong harmonies and outstanding vocalists. (Silvia Deurwaarder)

Tracklist:
01. Year Of The Rat
02. Protection
03. Patriot Games
04. The Passing
05. Exile
06. Sirens
07. Vulture
08. Amnesia
09. Magical Fix
10. Illumination
 

Line-up:

Mariangela Demurtas - Female Vocals
Kjetil Nordhus - Clean Vocals
Anders Høyvik Hidle - Guitars/Harsh Vocals
Gyri Smørdal Losnegaard - Guitars
Ole Vistnes - Bass/Backing Vocals
Einar Moen - Synth/Programming 
Tarald Lie Jr. - Drums