Band:	Tristania
Album:	Widow's Weeds
Style:	Symphonic gothic metal
Release date:	March 09, 1998
A review by:	KwonVerge

01. Preludium
02. Evenfall
03. Pale Enchantress
04. December Elegy
05. Midwintertears
06. Angellore
07. My Lost Lenore
08. Wasteland's Caress
09. Postludium

After the release of their self-titled EP, Tristania became a part of a rising label at that time (1998), Napalm Records. They started working on their long-awaited debut album since "Tristania" had received good critics from the music press. And, yes, during 1998, the debut album of Tristania, "Widow's Weeds," saw the light of day and became one of those sparkling jewels in the world of gothic metal, one of those albums that always shines for their unique feeling and beauty!

Many are the elements that consist of this beauteous diamond named "Widow's Weeds," so let's see them one by one. First of all, I should mention the intense and vivid interpretation of Morten Veland. He is one of the best vocalists to pass from the atmospheric metal scene, generally, whose powerful grunts can make the listener shiver, drowned in sorrow, at any moment. Of course we shouldn't forget that Morten Veland is a huge fan of gothic rock as it was formed back in the 80s, with bands like The Sisters Of Mercy and The Fields Of The Nephilim. These elements are quite vivid in the guitar work of Tristania, but also on the gothic rock oriented clean vocals on "Angellore" interpreted by Osten Bergoy. Another strong part in Tristania's music is the charismatic Vibeke Stene's ethereal voice and also the choir that enriches the overall atmosphere with emotional colors, escalating the emotional charge of the compositions. The lyrics breathe sorrow, despair, pain and grief and they are written in a beautiful and poetic way making the dramatic essence of Tristania even more intense.

The guitar riffing is deeply inspired and at times gothic rock oriented. The keyboard piano-sounding melodies float in the air like serene mourning chants and harmonize beautifully with the violin pieces that are utterly elegiac; caressing your skin with withered rose petals leaving wounds behind. Of course, we shouldn't forget the rhythm section's excellent work that makes the compositions sound more imposing, powerful and vivid! Everyone in the band pours their soul into this album and seems to fit the word perfection without any second thought.

Songs like the dramatic and inspired "Evenfall," the elegiac and enchanting "Pale Enchantress," the gothic rock oriented "Angellore," the tear-filled and dynamic "Midwinter Tears" and, generally, the whole album fills the air with intense emotions and a wailing atmosphere; a unique atmosphere that becomes more and more addictive as you listen to "Widow's Weeds."

"Widow's Weeds" is a pure gothic metal masterpiece showing the real face of gothic through a metal prism, an album that was never surpassed, even by Tristania.