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THE BLOODLINE Where Lost Souls Dwell Rebel Monster/Mascot RMR 7179 2 (2005)
There is absolutely no way I am not going to like an album which kicks off with a song called "At The Waters Of Lethe"! Different spelling aside, I have spent far too many years staring into said black waters for a goth metal track, with the emphasis on metal, not to reach deep into the dark, despairing hole that passes for my heart.
Fortunately, it, and the rest of the album is a cracker. The Bloodside are vocalist Kemi Vita and bassist Roman Schoensee who are also members of Dutch goth band The Dreamside, which makes you wonder a bit, as they're not a million miles away from each other in sound and style.
However, The Bloodside do have that metallic thunder to their sound which the more ethereal Dreamside lack. The rest of the musicians here are all session musicians, which must worry the other Dreamside members! Especially as "Spin Moon Magic" only came out earlier this year and with their other commitments to Satyrian.
But back to The Bloodline who have put together a remarkable effort, all atmospherics, horror soundtracks and full on gothic imagery. Apart from the aforementioned "At The Waters Of Lethe", the highlight is the bleak, despondent and chilling "Abandon All Hope".
A remarkable start to 2006, this is bound to still be a favourite at years end!
****
Review by Stuart A.Hamilton
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