Illumination - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
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's Beyond the Veil, 2005's Ashes) were, Illumination marries 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, Illumination will take its rightful place in the band's catalogue as a fine and at times brilliant work. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description
Since 1996, Norway's Tristania have been brewing up some of the finest Gothic Death Rock on the scene today. In 1997, just a year after the band's formation, Tristania recorded their first demo with sultry vocalist Vibeke Stene. Since then Tristania have gone on to release four successful albums, each cleverly building on the one before. Last year's SPV debut, Ashes, was met with critical acclaim the world over. On Illumination, their fifth and most majestic recording, Tristania have once again worked with famed producer Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Tiamat, Samael etc.) to do what they do best: light the way into a world of music where darkness and beauty meet.

Album Details
Third Album from Norway's Own Female Fronted Goth-metal Band. Album was Produced by Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, Gathering, Tiamat Etc). Limited Edition Comes in a Digipak with Metallic Embossing, and the Bonus Track "in the Wake".

Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

Departing Destined February 19, 2007
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Like any serious band, Tristania are still trying to advance their sound. Unfortunately, evidence continues to mount that Tristania's glory days are behind them. This album offers more variety and accessibility than the last album, the uneven Ashes, though that album was more intriguing and rocked harder. Here, Tristania have moved away from dark metal and thankfully have mostly dropped the extreme vocals that have always appeared extraneous within their sound. Tristania are now an increasingly mainstream purveyor of goth dirges, which indicates a partially successful advancement in songwriting and playing. Bassist Rune Osterhus and drummer Kenneth Olsson are especially strong on this album, even though the band is mellowing out overall. The songs here that best illustrate development in songwriting, and best exhibit the band's musical talents, include "Open Ground," "The Ravens," and a couple of others. But otherwise, this album runs out of steam pretty quickly, as it is made up primarily of turgid semi-ballads that hold little musical interest. There are also some unpleasant surprises like "Sacrilege," which sounds like overblown 80s arena metal, and "Ab Initio" (a bonus track on my edition of the disc), which is a failed experiment in psychedelic grunge.

This album also brings to a head the unlikely curse of Tristania - two stupendous singers. The operatic emotion of the beautiful Vibeke Stene and the haunting rich baritone of Osten Bergoy are at the forefront of this album where they belong, and both singers truly shine brightly throughout. However, giving both of these considerable talents room to roam means that neither is fully utilized, and you can only fantasize about how majestic an album could be when carried by either of them individually. Also, despite harmonizing occasionally, Vibeke and Osten are not effectively utilized as a team, and give the impression of singing their parts in isolation. This album sums up the fate of Tristania - two outstanding singers holding each other back from greatness, and a musical backdrop that is becoming less distinct and more directionless with each album. It's time for Vibeke and Osten to both go solo. [~doomsdayer520~]

2 out of 5 stars

Not so good. February 10, 2007
5 out of 8 found this review helpful

SO....yeah...After Ashes I said I'd never buy another Tristania album, but; after reading the pre-reviews of "Illumination" being different, I thought "hey, why not?" (If you liked "Ashes" no need to read further).

WOW....if you liked Morten Veland era Tristania do not buy this Album, if you read this review never having listened to Tristania, and you like goth metal with choirs, orhcestras, operatic voices, and superb beauty and beast vocals, etc I'd go with Morten's new band Sirenia, or the Tristania albums, "Widow's Weed," and "Beyond the Veil" and coincidentally, Sirenia has a new one coming out in less than a month in the states. Having heard some if it on myspace I'd say save your money for that one, especially if your a person with limited music budget. It may not be fair to compare the band from the time of Morten to the present line-up, but the difference is massive, and in this listeners opinion, not for the better. On "Illumination," Tristania sounds like a younger Lacuna Coil, which isn't bad....for Lacuna Coil.

There is very little use of Vibke's airy angelic operatic voice, and the choirs and orchestra are almost non existent. As stated before, with one run-through of the album, it is very easy to compare them to a band sounding like Lacuna Coil, which is a huge jump (in my personal opinion) in the wrong direction from Widow's Weed and Veil. If your looking for supreme goth/black metal look for Sirenia. Nothing beats the lion roar of Morten.

If you liked "Ashes" then this album is up your alley, not much of a jump, although Vibke's vocal role is increased and the black metal voice is significantly less. The clean male voice and Vibke's voice harmonize...a lot... Leading them to sound a lot like Lacuna Coil

If you liked Ashes, buy this, if your more of a fan of Morten Veland era Tristania, you will be disappointed...go with Sirenia's "Nine Destinies and a Downfall."

5 out of 5 stars

Tristania illuminates the dark road of Goth/Metal. January 31, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

"Beyond The Veil" was a milestone in the Gothic Metal movement.

Tristania's 1999 breakthrough was a layered operatic near masterpiece for the genre and then... then Morten Veland (now the man behind Sirenia) left the band and it seemed something went with him. "World Of Glass" followed and though a decent release it seemed to lack much of the soul of its predecessor. For "Ashes" in 2005 the band adopted a more stripped down approach that was good, but could have been a tad bit better.

Well, this CD is immediately a quantum leap from both "World of Glass" and "Ashes". "Illumination" is a natural progression from the previous album. The formerly dominating death metal elements are pushed even more into the background and the music shows Tristania's modern version of classic gothic rock/metal. I do feel that "Illumination" is the band's most emotionally loaded album "Beyond The Veil", even though it lacks the perfect balance between the raw dynamics and sensitivity of the earliest releases.

I find it rather frustrating, although at the same time reassuring, that every new album from these talented Norwegians seems to hold a promise of something greater to come. "Illumination" doesn't bring Tristania back to its former glory, but it's still good enough to ensure the band's position among the leading groups of its genre.

This is such a fantastic morphing from the Tristania of the previous years and, "Illumimntion" is where Vibeke Stene really shines and we really see that she could carry an album by her self if she had too.

Album opener "Mercyside" has everything that a band who stand for what these Norwegians do in 2006 should have. Musically, the backbone is rock solid, with subtle melodies that hold little secrets who reveal a little more during initial listens. Osten Bergoy immediately shines here, more so than he has in the past. His steady deep vocal approach is perfectly suited to Tristania, it is also a perfect contrast to the female voice that leads much of the CD..., more to come on that.

Here, it is where Vorph makes his first appearance, shortly but sweetly. He sounds fantastic in the role of the extreme vocalist, certainly a lot fiercer than Samael did in the past.

Vibeke Stene... is one of the most beautiful woman in metal today. However, like every other element of Tristania, she also shines as never before on "Illumination". I had lamented the loss of the layering and bombastic vocal style she dropped on "Ashes", although it was nice to hear her voice in a more dominant role, the "Beyond The Veil" approach had struck quite a chord with me and I felt that she lost some identity on their previous release.

Sanguine Sky
This song starts with Vibeke accompanies by a stringkwartet and arrangements. This time Einar has more space to be experimental on his keyboard. Rapidly the heavy guitars comes in. Osten has a very recognizable dark sound: he completes the low alto of Vibeke perfectly. This duet has all the space and with that the strength to grow. The number becomes more accessibly by the catchy refrain. Producer Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, Tiamat and The Gathering) has found a good assessment by separating the layers clearly: the vocals on the forefront and the instruments more subordinate.

She has stuck to doing what she does best and that is sing, her choice of melody lines, like Bergoy, is stunning at times. This is especially apparent on "Open Ground".

Open Ground
The third song is again a tensing song: the advancement is unexpectedly and environment menacing. Vibeke shows a new side of herself: fragile and serene straight out of her heart. Every song on this record has it's own mood and character. More than the records before. Tristania let go of the cliches in the goth metal scene. The influences are there, you can't ignore the past, but with the new elements the whole band manages to challenge themselves and the listener.

The Ravens
This song is the perfect example of how a band with two such talented vocalists can exploit this to the maximum. Most of the strength in the song lies in the dynamics between both vocalists: Vibeke and Osten in duel with technique and emotion, active to a climax which comes from their toes. It grabs you and brings you to a grant finale. The vocal trading they employ and pull off perfectly behind some of the best riffing they have put out and the melodies are simply killer. When Vorph joins in later into the track...it is something that you just have to hear.

Destination Departure
Where the other song brought the listener to a higher level, this song brings you down into a more dreamy atmosphere. A very passioned, fragile and pure Vibeke. This is Vibeke's moment to shine and she take full advantage of it. The bombastic side of the band returns on the background. A new detail is the electronic beat and the more rock orientated guitar solo from Anders. Mixed with the string quartet. I have mentioned already the bombast and the sheer power of her layered and operatic approach. It returns here for a brief but beautiful visit. As a track driven mainly by a big vocal it is a wonderful track and one not to be missed.

Down
Here continues the line of vulnerability, but mixed with the contrasts between soft and heavy. Both vocalists start on the same low key, alto level and pushed it further with the heavy drum sound. There is so much to discover in the melody of the rhythm section with the bass and guitar too. The duet has changed into a duel between both voices and that makes it very exciting to listen to.

Fate
This song brings a serene rest, varied with grunts and a tense drum sound. The acoustic guitar intro, no vocalist in this beginning, create a new atmosphere I haven't felt yet. A moment of rest to think about what I have heard and what will come. A great job from Osten to be more outstanding in his well known sound. Compliments for the rhythm section. It's so well balanced, detailed and modest. Given that Bergoy himself has stepped up so well on this CD, I find it very nice that he also has his own moment in the sun. The work of Anders Hoyvik Hidle merits a mention also. Mere words can't describe how good this track really is.

Lotus
This song gets more emotional where a minimalist guitar and bass sound are more in front of the mix. You feel it emerge and the arrangements come full circle with an ominous beat. The play between the vocalists are more than perfectly balanced. It almost feels that they became one soul with one voice. Fragile, but still strong. Deep and also elevated. Here it comes together in many emotions and melody parts.

Sacrilege
This song has an unpolished choir, the well-known bombast by the contrast of the guitars and the tension is there. The title could have been a surprise, because the band definitely creates a different melody than you think. Unexpected non-bombastic, more metal and vocalist Osten shows here his more elevated and heavy side. A bit more arrangements from the keyboard and drums. It's could switch from a fast beat in one second to a more serene and open beat where the guitars are more low and up tempo.

Ab Initio (bonus track)
This song which is listed as a bonus track but I don't know why. It's a very good song and it's just Vibeke Stene singing very mello with just a simple drum beat and guitar and it reminds me of the song "Angel" from Judas Priest. Very good indeed.

Deadlands
This song is acoustic and is the end track from "Illumination." Guitarist Anders Hilde shows a more fragile side of his guitar. With the choir and both vocalists this is a song what brings the album to a higher level. Vibeke is again the center of attention. She is can carry the whole song and is a very good at switching emotion in a song when she needs too. Together with the others she knows how to lead you threw a song. The violins are cherished and the balance is perfect.

I am really happy with by "Illumination" and I'm so pleased that Tristania has once again released an album that I can feel good about recommending to my friends.

5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorite ever! February 9, 2007
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

I agreed with the last reviewer with the word " wow" but this album is more than " the best album for 2007 " .
i ordered this album with no expectation!!! i loved their last album " ashes" very much but i didn`t expect or never thought that " Illumination " would be one of my favorite cd or would be even better than ashes.
i would like to have an album that most of it is great. i would like to put it on my cd player and just enjoy most of it. The songs are very enjoyable , great music, great processing, great sound and i found their music very refreshing. I never thought Tristania will be one of my favorite band or one of their album would be one of my favorite but "ashes " and " Illumination " put Tristania on my map! real masterpieces !!! How can we say that one album is so great or one of the best ? Many other albums became pale or weak beside it. i ordered new albums from very successfuls bands and very great artists but after i put "Illumination" on my cd player i put the othe cd`s i got lately beside! (I do`nt speak as a fan , i never was).

5 out of 5 stars

A Surprise Album February 21, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

In my opinion, I think this current album Illumination sounds great both musically and lyrics. Much of the work sounds very different from their previous albums. One thing I really noticed a lot was there weren't anyone singing with extreme vocals, which in a way is good since sometimes you need to hear more the main vocalists than there guest vocalist. Favorite song out of the album Down and Ab Initio, Vebeke's vocals are really beautiful in those songs.

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