Genres: Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal
Trail of Tears are definate veterans in the metal world. They've been around for more than a decade, slogging their way across the globe for small tours and big festivals, paying their dues.
And now, with their newest album, Bloodstained Endurance, they seem to be ready to take on bigger prey.
Classified as Gothic Metal, they seem to be showing even more of their other influences on this album. A bit of a harder, thrashier attack is the method this time around, but still with a nice little bit of polish on top.
The instruments are played great, and with a good mix and master, they all have room to breathe and can be heard wonderfully. There's not a ton of guitar solos on the album, but the ones that are there deserve Metalgasms.
Vocals are beautifully done, with soaring semi-operatic female vocals courtesy of the beautiful Catherine Paulsen and nicely aggressive male vocals from Ronny Thorsen, who also has one of the coolest last names ever.
Standout tracks for me are the title track, "Bloodstained Endurance" and "A Storm at Will".
Overall, I give the album a 7 out of 10. A solid first three quarters gives way to a slightly samey-sounding last couple songs, but there is no filler here.
I recommend it to fans of Sirenia, Tristania, and Lacuna Coil, obvious references all, but also to fans of newer In Flames and newer Soilwork.
Trail of Tear's Official Site and on MySpace.
-G.B.
© 2009 Funeral Rain. Questions? Email.
