Tristania is a band that has gained legendary status within its own underground scene. From the band’s 1998 album WIDOW’S WEED through to their last offerings, WORLD OF GLASS and TRISTANIA, the band has exhibited a melancholic style, awesome musicianship, diverse styles and a talent for song writing. The band has also been pushing the boundaries of symphonic Goth metal to the outer limits, and their latest offering, ASHES is no exception.

By listening to Tristania’s last and newest albums I reckon the band’s latest style may not have been a step in the right direction if it is looking to break into the mainstream market. However, as with all their other work, it is still a truly unique sounding recording, well written and produced, full of artistic integrity, and lacking nothing musically. And if any of you out there reading this are thinking, “symphonic metal is not my thing”, I suggest you think again. When I first heard the album opener Libre I honestly thought this sounds more like Arch Enemy than Tristania; the pounding drums and furious vocals make for a brutal opener; and a definite mosh anthem for anyone out there who is up for some mayhem.

The whole album is much more of a raw recording than any of the band’s other material - out are the eerie samples and dramatic intros that have graced so many of their other songs, and in are the double bass pedals, chugging guitars and riotous vocals. Indeed from track three The Wretched, there is a much more nu–metal vibe than anything you would ever expect from the band. It demonstrates just how ambitious Tristiana is to succeed and redefine musical boundaries. This album still contains the classic elements of triple vocal harmonies and the odd gothic styled mellow numbers such as “The Cure and Endogenisis, but overall this is a truly reformed and hungry album.

I feel it might just be step too far for some of the old Tristania fans - it is definitely a body shock after listening to some of this band’s other material - but the end result is a much more listenable CD, and one that will translate well to live performance. Overall it’s a quality piece of work that will attract a lot of new fans, and demonstrates Tristania’s ability to encapsulate and inspire the people who are willing to listen. Whether this CD represents the band’s big break remains an open question, but the response to upcoming tour dates with Finnish symphonic gods Nightwish may provide some answers.

If you’re looking for something new and exciting, check out this album, and it’s especially recommended for fans of Arch Enemy, Moonspell, Nightwish and Without Face. If you want to check Tristania out for yourselves, catch them on tour in February 2005 with Nightwish at:

12th – London Astoria

15th – Birmingham Academy 1

16th – Glasgow Academy

18th – Manchester Academy

19th – London Astoria

4/5

Ade Perrie