Lacrimosa Album: “Fassade [Japan Bonus Track]”

One thing that you should know about Lacrimosa is that they've been around longer than most gothic/metal bands of our time. They have a crapload of albums, and manage to refine their sound just a little bit on each one so it sounds distinctive but still continues where the previous one left off. Fassade happens to fall into the Chapter 2 slot of a three-part trilogy (which began with 1999's Elodia and ended with 2003's Echos). Tilo Wolff (vocals/piano, etc.) is the main songwriter of the music - combining and intertwining romantic classical with gothic-tinged rock. His counterpart, as many often say, is the gorgeous Anne Nurmi, who occasionally contributes to the vocal sections, but is primarily used for her keyboard talents. Together, the two are an unstoppable force - and Fassade, if anything, shows just that.

Elodia offered a timeless story of a love that was doomed to failure. Fassade continues this story - but offers a different setting. It seems the couple (played by Tilo & Anne, respectively) has relocated to a new environment, one dominated by conformity and uniformity - where everyone is programmed to think and live in a certain way. This new factor acts as our starstruck couple's latest obstacle - but isn't necessarily the bulk of the story. We also see the lovers' internal struggles, which will actually come to separate the two - which will lead to yet another exciting storyline with Echos. It's quite interesting to read the lyrics (translated from German to English in the booklet) when listening, even if it's hard to follow along, just for storyline enhancement.

Musically, Fassade differs much from the albums that surrounded it. I would consider it a bit heavier from the select songs I've heard of Elodia, and definitely more appealing to the metal crowd than Echos, even if not at all. Although I consider Echos to have eclipsed this effort somewhat, there are timeless classics such as the eerie "Senses", the driving "Liebesspiel", and the dramatic "Stumme Worte" that cannot be overlooked. Both Tilo and Anne are at their best vocally, and the lyrics are much better translated than on any other album I think. "Der Morgen Danach" was chosen as the album's single, and though I wouldn't rank it quite with "Alleine Zu Zweit" or "Durch Nacht und Flut", it offers a good taste of the band's harder energetic edge. There aren't really any weak points to this album, but it might take you multiple listens to really comprehend the genius behind the music (that really isn't saying much if you've ever heard this band).

Overall, I would definitely recommend this. While not as good as Echos, I'll say this kicks the crap out of both Nightwish's Wishmaster and Lacuna Coil's Comalies (two albums that came out around the same time but received much more attention from the media). Thanks again, Tilo & Anne!

10/10

I have never heard an album composed of classical pieces with such power and grace, and blended so well and so delicately with traditional metal, as Lacrimosa's Fassade. I am speechless. This album is a monumental accomplishment for the entire history of the Gothic genre. Lacrimosa has surpassed the classicism of Theatre of Tragedy, the opera of Therion, the excellent improvised violin of Tristania, the power of Samaël, the monumentality of My Dying Bride (yes, I'm talking about The Cry of Mankind), and the beauty of all of these excellent bands, and more, combined. This album won't blow you away. Rather, you'll be rendered in your chair (or your steps) rather motionless and speechless. This album is almost unbelievable, and I use that description quite literally.