Band:	Green Carnation
Album:	A Blessing In Disguise
Style:	Gothic metal, Progressive metal
Release date:	June 16, 2003
A review by:	wrathchild

01. Crushed To Dust
02. Lullaby In Winter
03. Writings On The Wall
04. Into Deep
05. The Boy In The Attic
06. Two Seconds In Life
07. Myron & Cole
08. As Life Flows By
09. Rain
10. Stay On These Roads [A-Ha cover] [Vinyl bonus]

After their 60 minute-long opus, Green Carnation returns with a more classic album.
The question: "can this third release be better than their previous masterpiece?" can't really be asked as far it's not the same type of album, but let's see in details what it is made of:

The first track, "Crushed To Dust", is just raw and simple, no introduction: we're invited to start the listening with a good heavy track, and that's quite surprising for Green Carnation.
The second one is divided into two parts: two real songs in one. It's softer and slower than the first track, and introduce the listener to the diversity of the band, which will be present throughout the rest of the album.
Catchy clever lyrics conducive to some introspection, inner thinking, non-demonstrative music melting acoustic & electric sounds, with some melodies played by the lead guitar, almost perfect when it comes to communicate emotions.
Then "Writings On The Wall" is in the same vein, in an active way, where we also notice a kind of oriental-influenced riff followed by a guitar solo, which doesn't interrupt the song anyway.
This fluency goes on with "Into Deep", with its bass into/outro.
And after that we can hear a piano intro, which at first was meant to be part of another project. The song "The Boy In The Attic" emerged, fading in this simple but once again beautiful introduction. The title of the album obviously comes from that song...poor boy...a sad song (sad album anyway).
"Two Seconds In Life" is a rather slow song, with some instrumental chorus that break the softness of the piano and vocals verses.
Next track, "Myron & Cole" is a more figurative one and musically less depressive than the others, except for the following "As Life Flows By" -could be a radio single- with its lively rhythm.
As an outro, "Rain", a slow title, beginning with some cello sound, with a heavier guitar riff in the middle, and some varied elements: in fact this track reminds me of "Light Of Day, Day Of Darkness", but in a short version (and softer somehow).

This album is coherent, as everything is meant to communicate feelings deep into your mind (or ears at least): the composition, the lyrics & music, and the production, which was successfully done by guitarist and main composer Tchort, always deeply involved in his band.

Even though everyone agrees to say their previous release was better, you shouldn't forget this one if you're looking for some interesting Doom/slightly gothic and prog metal. It's always pleasant to listen to, although the first time you might not find this excellent.