Band:	Tristania
Album:	Beyond The Veil
Style:	Symphonic gothic metal
Release date:	September 13, 1999
Guest review by:	Ernis

01. Beyond The Veil
02. Aphelion
03. A Sequel Of Decay
04. Opus Relinque
05. Lethean River
06. ...Of Ruins And A Red Nightfall
07. Simbelmyne
08. Angina
09. Heretique
10. Dementia

"Beyond The Veil" is the second full-length album by the Norwegian act Tristania. It was released in 1999 and so far this is claimed to be their best release and righteously so. In this album the symphonic Gothic style is most perfectly defined and highlights every track on this release with heavy and dark beauty. Even better, one never gets the feeling of clichés or beauty vs beast influences while listening to "Beyond The Veil". Pure quality music only... plus undressed girls on the cover are always nice to see.

Already the first seconds of Beyond The Veil are stunningly beautiful. Tender ethereal female voices chant silently until the dark metal pours into the bliss and introduces the brutality and harshness. Nevertheless they still preserve and protect the beauty of the atmosphere created by the singing girls making it even prettier. Keyboards have a very important role in this music, providing it with passionate melodic passages and effects. Occasional string instrument melodies add a lot to the atmosphere as do the haunting choirs. The main singing is done by Morten Veland who provides fine male vocals. He varies his vocals technique from harsh singing to using simple clean deep voice. Vibeke Stene's haunting voice is a true gem of the band and of the whole discography recorded with her as lead female singer.

A few words about the best tracks of the release; The title track which bears all the positive characteristics this album has makes a perfect opening for the album. "Opus Relinque" is not just the best track of this album but one of the best tracks of symphonic metal all in all. A nice piano instrumental called "Simbelmynё" and the dark and threatening "Heretique" are also among the best flowers in this bouquet. Using Latin verses and lines from Christian mass can be either a cliché or a successful adornment. Sequences taken from "Agnus Dei" and "Kyrie Eleison" help to create best atmosphere here.

"Beyond The Veil" is an exceptional album. The style is seemingly almost perfect. The dark and powerful symphonic metal with authentic and perfectly performed Gothic touch is spellbinding and all possible sound effects and additional elements to make the music more profound and interesting work flawlessly. The cooperation of Morten and Vibeke expresses superior class. Tristania shows their best characteristics on this album and makes all of them work in divine harmony.