Nice sounding band, even though i'm not really into it (i know it doesn't make sense). I think they managed to combine the folk and doom elements pretty well on this album, although I kid of wish it was sped up just a tad.

A masterpiece album, it has a great atmosphere of darkness and sadness, Mourners one hell of a song, Empyrium keep the good work:thumbup:

The Best Album Ever !!

I only recently got this album from the great reviews and ratings and I now love it. Especially the beautiful intro and the folk music.

This album for me Always is forever...I grew up with these songs and And never forget I do not....thank you Empyrium For everything

Very unique album, starting from atmosphere to songwriting and lyrics, and i love the keyboards in this album, very haunting . Wondering why there is no review for this album .

I still get shivers while listening to it. So good.

One of the most underrated band ever,

This is Empyrium's best work where the potential of their previous album was realised.

Wow, every track just flows to absolute perfection. Surpasses any Folk-ish album I have ever listened to.

Just like their debut, this is a masterpiece. What a shame the albums after this one are so underwhelming (and way worse). Hopefully their new album next year will be similar to this (or to A Wintersunset).

Written by [user id=125952] on 07.11.2012 at 19:15

that would be the best news of 2013.

I agree. Both albums are masterpieces (so good I put 'em in my list of best albums of all time just a while ago). Their third album was a huge disappointment for me, and due to that I don't have the urge of buying Weiland.

Written by Erik M. on 09.11.2012 at 22:45
Their third album was a huge disappointment for me, and due to that I don't have the urge of buying Weiland.

Seems like a weird comment to me considering their third album is just an experiment so judging any album following it would be like... I dunno, expecting Opeth to release many "Damnations".
Granted... Weiland isn't metal either but I'd say it's a far more mature folk album than the third album with pretty nice strings and vocals.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 09.11.2012 at 23:06

Seems like a weird comment to me considering their third album is just an experiment so judging any album following it would be like... I dunno, expecting Opeth to release many "Damnations".
Granted... Weiland isn't metal either but I'd say it's a far more mature folk album than the third album with pretty nice strings and vocals.

Well, according to MetalStorm their last two albums are both "Neofolk", which is why I think the fourth album wouldn't be my cup of tea either. But I might be wrong, seeing as you're saying Weiland is different from Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays. I didn't even listen to songs on Youtube, so I might do that (and hopefully be surprised).

Written by Erik M. on 10.11.2012 at 00:20
Well, according to MetalStorm their last two albums are both "Neofolk", which is why I think the fourth album wouldn't be my cup of tea either. But I might be wrong, seeing as you're saying Weiland is different from Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays. I didn't even listen to songs on Youtube, so I might do that (and hopefully be surprised).

It's still neofolk though. But if I'm not mistaken Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays was a full instrumental album right? Because the fact that Weiland has vocals and longer songs gives it a more defined structure which helps since it feels more focused.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 10.11.2012 at 00:31

It's still neofolk though. But if I'm not mistaken Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays was a full instrumental album right? Because the fact that Weiland has vocals and longer songs gives it a more defined structure which helps since it feels more focused.

Actually, a couple of songs do have lyrics, but those are not very noticeable overall. Another reason I don't like Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays is because most songs are very short. Not all songs need to be 10+ minutes for me, but songs that are 2-3 minutes just don't impress me that much. However, I see what you mean about Weiland, so I might listen to it.

Written by [user id=125952] on 10.11.2012 at 07:46

i agree with Emol, for me its mainly cause the doom elements are not there anymore, am not into folk music that much. Am not against a band trying out new stuff but id have preffered if they stuck to folk doom.
Never listened to anything from Opeth so i got no idea of what their discography sounds like.

Yeah, that's pretty much it I think. I like it when folk is combined with doom, but I don't like it a lot on its own. I feel most of the time bands try something new, it doesn't work out well. Examples are Empyrium (obviously), Opeth (with Heritage), My Dying Bride (with Evinta), Katatonia (everything after Brave Murder Day... I know most of their discography is different, but it's not my kind of music) and Swallow The Sun to a lesser degree (with Emerald Forest And The Blackbird).

Anyway, you should look into Opeth's discography if you care about Progressive/Death Metal (since Heritage they're Progressive Rock). I made a list yesterday of all Opeth albums (best to worst), so that might be helpful if you want to know which album to start with. Obviously it's my opinion, but I think a lot of people would agree with at least the top 4. Ghost Reveries got me into Opeth and I was hooked immediately. Blackwater Park is a great album to start with as well. Try not to start off with Damnation or Heritage, because those albums are way different from the other albums.

Katatonia only started top go downhill with The Great Cold Distance... But oh well, matter of opinions.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 10.11.2012 at 17:11

Katatonia only started top go downhill with The Great Cold Distance... But oh well, matter of opinions.

For the record, I like Brave Murder Day (+ the Sounds Of Decay EP) and everything before that album, but I don't like anything after it (I own Viva Emptiness and can't stand the style and lyrics at all... couldn't even finish listening to the album the last time I wanted to give it another chance). So yeah, their albums after Brave Murder Day might be great, but I can't enjoy them because of the rock influences.

Written by Paradox0 on 27.01.2010 at 22:08

although I kid of wish it was sped up just a tad.

Uhm, what did you expect? This is (partly) doom after all. If you want faster music, then I'd suggest to go and listen to some thrash.

Written by Erik M. on 20.01.2013 at 20:57
then I'd suggest to go and listen to some thrash.

Hmmm no. If he wanted something like THIS album but with a bit more speed. The thrash wouldn't work
Maybe some atmospheric/folk black could do the trick.


Yeah, just wanted to be a smartass.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 22.01.2013 at 17:26

Hmmm no. If he wanted something like THIS album but with a bit more speed. The thrash wouldn't work
Maybe some atmospheric/folk black could do the trick.


Yeah, just wanted to be a smartass.

Seriously though, doom in general isn't "fast". So what I said is still true. But yeah, you're not wrong either.

Really really like this album. Can't believe I've disregarded this band for so long.

I used to like this album much back in the day but recently when I heard it again it sounded nothing that special that I was thinking it was.

Written by angel. on 03.10.2013 at 18:12

I used to like this album much back in the day but recently when I heard it again it sounded nothing that special that I was thinking it was.

same for me. It doesn't stand the test of time at all. It sounds so incredibly dated, already

I love this album, so depressing yet brilliant. the closer is the best track imo, but when he repeats 'its sweet blue sound' in that way it does make me cringe a little

Is the most beautifull album made in much time!!!;D

Oh, this does so much stand the test of time. Nothing outdated here to my ears.
Still as beautiful as on the first day.

The Ensemble Of Silence is the best.
Great album overall but I really dig when a band finishes an album with such great music.

A very consistent album but if I had to choose standout songs, 'Ode To Melancholy' and 'The Ensemble Of Silence' would be mine.

A great listen overall - 9.2/10