Band:	Ashes To Ashes
Album:	Cardinal VII
Style:	Symphonic power metal
Website:	http://www.atoa.net
Release date:	2002
A review by:	Undercraft

01. New World Obscure
02. Embraced In Black
03. Among Mortals
04. Truth On Scaffold
05. Iben
06. Dualism
07. Sic Transit Mundi
08. Ravenous Unleashed
09. Behind Closed Eyes
10. Cardinal VII
11. Iben Pt.2

God knows I tried to find this Cd everywhere, but luck wasn't on my side for, like one year after it's release.
I become acquainted with Norwegian combo Ashes To Ashes upon reading a positive review on a brother Metal webzine. The term "Gregorian Metal" intrigued me, so I decided to download a couple of songs from the web, the chosen ones were "Behind Closed Eyes" and the song that give the album it's title "Cardinal VII", and I must say that I was impressed, both songs were brilliant and I knew that I need to have this Cd.

My ordeal begins asking the Cd as a promo from DVS Records, which they kindly denied because I live far away and they couldn't afford to send me one, I tried to find it on some record stores on Peru, no luck either, and seemed that no one have heard that band, could I be crazy?
Then, a light of hope, my good friend Priscilla Jarra from Hellion Records Brazil offered to send me one copy of the Cd, licensed from DVS.

The day came, the Cd was in my hands and I started listening the interminable bouquet of melodies and Gothic structures mixed with great classical music moments and great choirs, Gregorian style.
One of the best assets of this band is vocalist Kenneth Brastad and his excellent deep, dark voice, this combined with the wistful choirs will make the day of any listener who appreciates one fine piece of Gothic Metal, or Gregorian Metal if you like.

One little thing though, sadly the two songs I downloaded from the web, were the best songs in the album, so there were no surprises left for me. Although almost each song is a killer, no one surpasses the aftermentioned ones, a good thing or a bad? You'll be the judge, until then, give these guys a chance and take a look at this Cardinal VII, you won't be disappointed.