TEARS LAID IN EARTH

This is the debut from the 3rd & the Mortal, and the band wastes no time establishing themselves as the poster-children for morbidly depressing and fashionably fatalistic goth/ folk/metal posing. Every time I hear these guys I’m reminded of the Gathering, and with a little bit of Stream of Passion thrown in, but with nowhere near the same sense of purpose or vision.

This is that dreary brand of pseudo-metal with goth trappings that seems so peculiar to Scandinavian bands of the nineties. Arjen Anthony Lucassen uses this type of sound as an accent to his ambitious Ayreon epics; Stream of Passion add the ‘passion’ part and better vocals; the Gathering can claim deeper and more varied lyrical explorations in their music; and Nightwish adds a decidedly commercial focus to their music. The Mortal have none of those advantages – they’re just pretty much moody and depressing. There is very little variation to the songs on this album, or really anything else I’ve heard from them.

There are a couple of interesting tracks, “Why So Lonely” being the most notable. At least on this one there is a sense of tempo and focus, and the feeling of a complete and cohesive thought. And “Atupoe'ma” has some appeal for the beautiful delivery of feminine Norwegian vocals which are very captivating at least. But that’s about it. The three bonus tracks are a bit more varied than the rest of the album, with the epic-length “Oceana” being the most obvious deviation. But even on that one there are lengthy sections of directionless posturing with little variation or ability to hold one’s attention. I find this a very difficult album to listen to in a single setting, as there is so little variation that it becomes tedious pretty quickly.

A couple tracks seem to be more about building some mildly associative sound around the song’s title, “Death-Hymm” and “Shaman” in particular. There may be some deep hidden meaning, but I can’t focus on either of them long enough to draw it out.

This is another case of sun-deprived, snow-bound depressing music that shouldn’t be made readily available to anyone with emotional problems. It’s probably good for stoking a miserable mood on a cold winter day, but nothing else really. I can think of better things to listen to on those kinds of days that are uplifting, and that seems like a better use of my time. Definitely for fans of the band and collectors only. Two stars.

peace

This is the first full length album from Norway's THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL. And what an influencial album it is. Many, many bands point to this group and in particular this album released in 1994 as an inspiration. It's gloomy, dark and often slow moving while being filled with atmosphere. Gothic with female vocals. And I agree with Torodd that bands like NIGHTWISH could only dream about being this good.

"Vandring" is basically Kari singing solo throughout in a reserved manner. A short intro track. "Why So Lonely" sounds great in contrast to the intro track because it kicks in with drums and guitar that create a good heavy sound. It settles with vocals before a minute as contrasts continue. Excellent tune. "Atupoema" sounds really good.This is dark and laid back with vocals. I like the bass here.The guitars grind away after 4 minutes to end it. "Death Hymn" is a top three tune for me. An intense intro gives way to a calm around a minute that sounds so good.Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in are relaxed.The contrasts between the laid back and heavier passages continue.The vocal melodies and male spoken words 7 minutes in are cool. "Shaman" is my second favourite song on here.The drums and vocal melodies sound great to start out.The guitar replaces the vocals but she's back again at 1 1/2 minutes. How good is this ! "Trial Of Past" opens with gentle guitar but it turns heavy quickly. Nice. It's even heavier before 3 minutes.This is moving for me as well.

"Lengsel" is bass and reserved vocals only. A short piece. "Salva Me" kicks in hard rather quickly then it settles after 1 1/2 minutes and the vocals join in. "Song" opens with drums and atmosphere. Fragile vocals before 3 minutes as it calms right down. It picks up before 5 minutes as the vocals continue but here they are more passionate. "In Mist Shrouded" sounds amazing 1 1/2 minutes in then the vocals return. It's heavier after 2 1/2 minutes. Killer stuff as the tempo continues to shift. "Oceana" is the over 18 minute closer. My favourite. It opens with the sounds of waves before atmosphere takes over.Vocal melodies before 1 1/2 minutes as drums, bass and guitar join in. It's building. Some riffing before 3 minutes then it settles back as vocals continue. I like when the vocals stop after 5 1/2 minutes and this guitar comes in tastefully.Vocals are back then we get intricate guitar only after 7 minutes before the heaviness kicks in. Hell yeah ! It settles back then the vocals return before 9 1/2 minutes. It's heavy again a minute later then a spacey calm arrives. Almost spoken vocals come and go. It's heavy again 13 1/2 minutes in. Nice. And this continues with no vocals until 16 1/2 minutes in when the waves return and take over.Vocal expressions end it.

I can't get over that last song, but hey the whole album is incredible and a solid 4 star rating.