Band:	A Dream Of Poe
Album:	The Mirror Of Deliverance
Style:	Doom metal, Gothic metal
Release date:	February 25, 2011
A review by:	Ernis

01. Neophyte
02. Os Vultos
03. Lady Of Shalott
04. Liber XLIX
05. The Lost King Of The Lyre
06. Chrysopoeia

The Mirror Of Deliverance is the first full-length release by the doom ensemble A Dream Of Poe from the beautiful green islands of Azores. After two quite good EPs the first full album is not disappointing either, being a fine showcase of the style of the two Azorean bands including this one and also In Peccatum with Bruno Santos contributing to both bands.

The overall atmosphere of the album is something that the fans of My Dying Bride would be pleased to hear. Especially those whose favourite song is "My Wine In Silence". Although compared to the aforementioned group the Poe-inspired band is softer and milder which is not at all a negative thing. The music is melancholic with both instrumental side and the vocal performance displaying smooth and soft qualities. The growling vocals never become annoyingly sharp nor shrieking as sometimes happens with bands playing such style but instead add a fitting and pleasant velvety layer to the calm and silent clean vocals and equally subtle instrumental play. Speaking of the style, many bands try to sound like several older representatives of a particular genre (take numerous repetitive symphonic bands imitating Nightwish) but fail to create equally good music. This band has done a good job for in several places their songs sound as the best of My Dying Bride, written by the masters during the classical era, nevertheless, being undoubtedly original and clearly distinct.

The tracklist of the album has been organised rather well. The best and most special song on this release is without any doubt the beautiful "Lady Of Shalott" which already adorned the eponymous EP. It could be said that if one wishes to get the idea of what the band has to offer, this song should be the first to be listened because it seems to concentrate the best characteristics of the group into one song. The first track of the album is also a good one as it serves as a good opening for the entire album. The Portuguese language song which follows is also a good one. It seems that this particular language suits that style of music especially well. The band should consider writing more lyrics in Portuguese. The last track is also an enjoyable gloomy and expressive song. To sum up, this is a piece of doom metal of good quality. To be enjoyed all year around preferably during evenings with some good drinks.