I must admit it was quite a shock to find that Eternal Tears Of Sorrow (ETOS) were reforming last year. The band called its quits in 2002 and no one really expected to hear from them again. So it was with great anticipation that I greeted ETOS, 5th album overall.

To call ETOS, 'merely', melodic death metal, does the band quite an injustice.

Melodic dark metal, with a hint of goth, very atmospheric and loads of melodies that stay in your head. I wasn't sure what to expect when I pressed play, but after several listens in the car and cranked at full volume on my home hi-fi unit, 'Before The Bleeding Sun', is definitely a more than worthy comeback album.

Opener, 'Sweet Lilth Of My Dreams', picks up where the previous album ('A Virgin And A Whore 2001) left off. With a glorious keyboard melody, driven on a by biting guitar riff, ETOS are back with a bang. Throughout the album, ETOS remind us of the past, as well as adding new elements to their arsenal. 'Red Dawn Rising', is a dark brooding tale of desperation and sadness. Featuring the vocals of Jarmo Kylmänen, ETOS are one of those bands that know their limitations, when a strong clean vocal is needed, the realize that regular vocalist, Altti Veteläinen, harsh growling screams need to be put aside for someone with a more melodic friendly voice.

Jarmo is not the only 'guest' on Before The Bleeding Sun, back vocals coming from none other than, Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica) and Marco Hietala (Nightwish and Tarot). Throughout the album, ETOS prove that this album stands head and shoulders next to their previous efforts and maybe just might be the best thing the band have ever done. Its not until closer, Angelheart, Raven', that ETOS sign off with a huge epic song.

Sounding not that far from Therion, with its huge orchestral sweeps and operatic vocals, it's not only one of the boldest thing ETOS have done, it is also one of their best songs ever.

Add to this, some stunning artwork from Travis Smith, 'Before The Bleeding Sun', is easily the comeback album of the year and stretching the boundaries of the so called, 'melodic death metal' into the realms of something a lot more sophisticated. Lets hope ETOS are back for good and continue to make albums as good as this one.

*****

Review by Graham Boyle