Disco de Theatre of Tragedy: “Aegis [Bonus Tracks]”

ToT's third full-album release is definitely their most outstanding. While the first two albums were good in their own right, with harsh male grunting contrasted with sweet female chanting, "Aegis" follows the same general concept without the harsh male vocal, instead, opting to substitute an ear-pleasing baritone. Although there are only eight songs, the entire CD runs only one second under fifty minutes and is a delightful journey. The production is tighter than the first two releases and the emphasis is now placed even more heavily (it was possible?) on the melody and its effect on the overall appearance of the music. Very touching, extremely beautiful, definitely five stars.

After having heard "velvet Darkness", I knew I was on to something unique. My only reservation with that album was the death growling which, although a part of the "Beauty and the Beast" motif, still did not seem to fit such beautiful, ethereal music. Then along comes Aegis, and it is one of those collections of songs you think could only be imagined. Liv Kristine's vocal talent is unmatched. Raymond has abandoned his grunts for a subdued style that better suits the music and the female vocals. The most haunting compositions are Angelique, Siren (which leaves me wracked on the shores of my mind every time), and the golden achievement of TOT's catalog, Venus--the apex of Liv Kristine's vocal prowess. Aegis will forever be the crowning jewel in my gothic rock collection: a timeless masterpiece of haunting beauty and ethereal sublimity. Highly, highly recommended.

I am a fan of many bands of this ilk, and I'd have to say ToT started something a bit new with their first release (self-titled). The deathy/grunting vocals mixed with the very high and nearly operatic and pillowy soft sounds from Liv Kristine took a while to take in. I must admit, the contrast was actually interesting, and over time I grew to REALLY like the sound and feel of their CDs. Nowadays, there are many bands with this same formula (male/female, atmospheric keys, hard riffing/slow droning guitar) but I personally really enjoy them all (Tristania, Within Temptation, Therion.. etc..)

Anyhow, Aegis is probabably the slowest and most moody of all their stuff, but it really grows on you. However, if you're one to get into the lyrics, they may throw you a bit, since they are written in older dialects (I'm not a language expert) of possible old English, some latin and German, so it can be difficult to understand. The stories behind the songs are interesting, though. I personally welcome the softer vocals of Raymond and don't think this would be such a great album if he grunted along (it's much softer than Velvet or their first CD). Overall, I think this is one CD every gothic metal lover should have, it will be a classic in time.

This is the only Theatre of Tragedy album that really attracted my interest to pick up and buy - but I'm very glad I did! Aegis is by far one of the better gothic records of the past decade - stripped of harsh vocals and heavy riffs, offering a more exotic sound of ambient synths and the gorgeous vocals of Liv Kristine. The songs all follow a certain pattern, very slow and melodic, without managing to sound contrived. Needless to say, this isn't an album that will hook you from the first listen - Aegis deserves many rotations in your CD player to understand the quality songwriting and musicianship. It is only after these listens that such songs as "Cassandra" or the mesmerizing "Siren" start to sound appealing. That's not to say that songs such as the eerie "Aoede" and the dramatic "Venus" won't take your breath away after first listen - that's what happened in my case.

The album is definitely rounded out, of course, by Liv's vocals - which have provoked both compliments and complaints - but in my opinion are some of the best this genre has to offer (see "Siren"). Raymond Rohonyi is used for extended effect - calmer, more-spoken vocals that set the mood for tracks like "Aoede" and "Cassandra". The guitars aren't very frequent on this album, leading me to consider this as more of a gothic record than a metal one. I would recommend that anyone just starting to play guitar print out some of these tabs, as they are very easy and fun to learn. Keyboards and bass are kept to a minimum as well, although the bass is quite audible. The drums sound great and are probably the most constantly used instrument of the layered song-structure-driven album.

Definitely one of the better albums of the late nineties, by far. You can also hear Liv's lovely voice with her new band Leaves' Eyes' album Lovelorn - also a masterpiece. And make sure to watch out for her dazzling appearance on Cradle of Filth's "Nymphetamine", featured on the new Resident Evil soundtrack.

SIMILAR ALBUMS:

The Gathering - Mandylion

Lacuna Coil - In a Reverie

10/10

***** - FIVE STARS

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Like an ever-flowing stream of silk....

This is pure, and very interesting music. It's not Goth Metal, but it's somewhere close to it. I would classify this as unique, and it explores all kinds of areas in Metal. It's has female / male vocals that compliment eachother very well, and is has just enough of a hard edge to where you don't get bored with it....

I bought this "Aegis", looking for a Lacuna Coil substitute{I've worn all of their CD's out}. I was surprised, and impressed with what I heard. They aren't really comparable musically, Coil is much heavier, but they both have that extra something about them that stands out when you listen to it. I'm very happy with this find, and I plan on buying the rest of the Theatre Of Tragedy catalogue very soon.....

I'd also highly recommend Leaves Eyes "Lovelorn". Same singer, but alittle heavier than this. It's another great addition....