Illumination
Tristania has long been one of the world's leading gothic metal bands and its latest outing,Illumination, demonstrates that the Norwegian outfit needn't worry about losing its footing in that arena any time soon. While not the overwhelming triumph that previous efforts (1999'sBeyond the Veil, 2005'sAshes) were,Illuminationmarries the traditional dark, heavy riffs and dark, operatic vocals of the genre to stunning effect on tracks such as "The Ravens," "Mercyside," and "Sanguine Sky," and shines its light on the pure beauty of Vibeke Stene's world-class voice during "Destination Departure" and the commercially ambitious "Down." While Tristania lacks the commercial appeal that others of its ilk--Madder Mortem, Lacuna Coil--have and its passion for the atmospheric sometimes becomes weightier than necessary,Illuminationwill take its rightful place in the band's catalogue as a fine and at times brilliant work. ––Jedd Beaudoin