Mortemia
"Misere Mortem"
(Napalm Records)

Norwegian black gothic opera courtesy of demonic maestro Morten Veland. Opera meets choirs meets dark electronix meets contemporary melodic black on masterful tracks like 'The Candle At The Tunnel's End', 'The Malice Of Life's Cruel Ways' and 'The Pain Infernal And The Fall Eternal'. Veland has taken a number of sources and carefully tweaked around with them to find his own comfortable mix that has power, tempered with melodic catchiness and shrouded in a dark if unmalevolent atmosphere that nevertheless makes for a captivating and entertaining sound. I'm sure it's one that will thrill fans of Tristania's classic "Beyond the Veil". and it's easy to see why "Misere Mortem" will become a gem on the somber scene and no doubt contribute to the glory days of goth metal making a well deserved comeback!

-Shan Siva