PAINTING ON GLASS

This CD is quite different from the band's debut CD "Tears Laid in Earth". Not only is previous singer Kari Rueslatten gone, so have most of the metal influences in favour of ambient soundscapes, world music and prog rock influences. The atmosphere of the CD is close to what other Scandinavian bands like Landberk and White Willow are doing, but even more eclectic and experimental.

The new singer is Ann-Mari Edvardsen who has a voice similar to Kari', high, clear, maybe slightly harsher but also more versatile: she can go from an operatic style to Lisa Gerard like wailings and everything in between. Another difference is the increased use of synthesizers (there's even piano, Mellotron, Arp and church organ on some of the songs) that provide ambient soundscapes on a number of songs.

A very original release. With this album, the band have departed from the doomy sound of their debut, exploring new musical directions. The album contains a lot more instrumentals, ranging from the bright soundscapes "White waters" - "Aurora australis" to the dark "Azure" (an incredible song worth listening in loop for a memorable experience). "Commemoration" is probably the song that would best describe the album and future musical direction of the band. Although this album contains most of my favorite songs from The 3rd and the Mortal ("Veiled exposure", "Vavonia", "Horizons"), it is a bit too experimental for my taste.

Rating: 79/100

Where's the metal?

I'd go as far as to say that this is ambient, atmospheric music with the smallest hint of metal, mainly earlier on in the album. Unlike other bands of the genre, however, it doesn't meander; it has a definite and enjoyable rhythm or melody all throughout.

If you're looking for something original and genuinely beautiful, you must get this album.

This Norwegian band are known for being the first to play that doomy, atmospheric style of music with a female vocalist. Bands like THE GATHERING, NIGHTWISH and many more have been inspired by their debut "Tears Laid In Earth". This is their second studio album and their first with Ann-Mari Edvardsen on vocals after Kari left to pursue a solo career. I must say that Experimental / Post Metal is one of my favourite genres. Not a lot in the way of metal here though as the band really lays down some atmospheric soundscapes that are so inspiring.

"Magma" features these industrial-like sounds as drums join in around a minute banging slowly. Vocals before 2 minutes join in.Trombone after 2 1/2 minutes. Cool song. "Commemoration" opens with gentle trombone and some noises. It kicks in heavily after a minute and vocal melodies join in. Amazing sound as mellotron also blows in. Drums become prominant 2 1/2 minutes in with the guitars playing over top. Vocals are back 4 minutes in. Incredible track ! "Crystal Orchids" is mellow with soprano vocals throughout. "Persistant And Fleeting" is another favourite of mine. It opens with female vocal expressions that sound other-worldly. The music kicks in after a minute and i'm really reminded of THE GATHERING. The guitar is so tasteful before 5 minutes as it goes on and on. "White Waters" is brighter sounding with heavy drums. "Aurora Borealis" is the shortest song at 1 1/2 minutes. It's basically a spacey soundscape. "Dreamscapes" has this killer intro then it settles right down with piano only. Reserved vocals come in. A heavier sound comes in a minute later with some nice guitar. Excellent track. "Aurora Australis" has this haunting atmosphere then we get some loud but slow drumming later.

"Azure" is such an impressive soundscape that is powerful and dark. That has to be mellotron. "Veiled Exposure" is slow moving with lots of bottom end and vocals. The guitar sounds great before 4 minutes. Just screaming. Waves of sound after 5 minutes. "Stairs" has this melody that slowly swirls in a powerful atmosphere. The music then stops late and you can hear someone walking up the stairs then opening a door. "Eat The Distance" has some interesting sounds on it including Didjeridoo. Just listen. Vocal sounds join in around 2 1/2 minutes. "Vavonia Part II" kicks in with a full sound before a minute. The mood continues to change until acoustic guitar comes in after 3 minutes. Vocals 4 minutes in. Vocal melodies 6 minutes in. "Horizons" is a soothing song to end the album. Acoustic guitar and synths are joined by vocals after 2 1/2 minutes. Beautiful !

Easily 4 stars. Music to drift far away in.

At this point, 3rd and the Mortal had only the faintest connection with the style of gothic metal they had helped to inaugurate with their debut - oh, the female vocals, doomy riffs and other hallmarks of the genre are still there, but they're just one feature of a much more diverse smorgasboard of ingredients. Crammed with sonic experimentations and ambient textures, at points the album is reminiscent of the jazz-tinged soundscapes of the early post-rock scene, though 3rd and the Mortal have a very different approach to taking on those influences than exhibited by many subsequent post-metal bands. On the whole, this is gothic metal gone deliriously avant-garde, creating a brilliantly original sound in the process.