At last, the masters of true, melancholic Dark Metal have returned. Sentenced has unleashed the BEST release of 2002. This epic opus of sublime sorrow is titled “The Cold White Light” [Century Media Records], and it is simply astounding.
These Finnish greats began as a Swedish Style Death Metal band, but then slowly evolved. And on their past 3 albums they were engulfed by pure melodic darkness…it was then that they began to truly shine. Such is the balance of their various aspects-serenity and aggression, radiance and darkness, beauty and sorrow.
The vocals are clean, somewhat Gothic (male) and steeped in woe. The instrumentals share this feel, having a dark and melodic aggression that is hypnotic. Sentenced does it all brilliantly.
The album opens and closes with the sound of loons-a traditional Finnish omen of impending doom. The most amazing tracks, of this killer set of cuts, include “Cross My Heart And Hope To Die,” “The Luxury Of A Grave,” the morosely cool “Excuse Me While I Kill Myself,” and “Brief Is The Light.”
My favorite song though is “Aika Multaa Muistot [Everything Is Nothing].” The title translates, “time buries your memories.” It's about only remembering the bad aspects of life.
Overall, this is yet another work of sheer genius by Sentenced. It's grim, gloomy, and glorious. If you only buy one CD this year, this should be it.
Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: H.I.M., Lacuna Coil, Amorphis, Sundown, Babylon Whores, Arcturus, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Peace.
Bill Vogel III
StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Copyright 2002.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
