Artist: LAKE OF TEARS
Album: BLACKBRICKROAD (CD)

Year: 2004
Media type: CD

Swedish Lake of Tears' 8th album Blackbrickroad is quite a surprise. The band had earlier released a "supposed farewell album" (in 2002) titled as "The Neonai". However, the band decided to reform with the original lineup. This time their sound has less atmophere and more basic (occasionally gothic) metal. Nevertheless, this album wasn't as heavy as I expected.

Songs are quite diverse... I'd say there are slight Paradise Lost influences audible, so musically Blackbrickroad is heavy metal with some gothic and dance/industrial influences. I was favourably impressed with their material on this album, the relistening value is quite good. Especially the melodic end of this record will be imprinted on your mind after you've listened it a few times. To give a picture of the diversity on this record: On Sister Sinister I heard traces of the Gathering (guitar parts), which I didn't expect to hear. Overall, the songs are of even quality.

Production on this album is quite good... There was some occasional distortion audible, but nothing too disturbing. Sounds are quite solid and strong. What's also creditable, is the spacious mix (which gives a nice atmosphere to the record). Unfortunately, the production seems to degrade a little bit towards the end.

Overall Blackbrickroad is quite good record. It's a good buy, if you're a fan of the band or the genre. Although it has some 'pop' flavoured songs, it's still an album to be reckoned with. However, listening before buying is recommended.

TRACKLIST:

1 The Greymen (4:45)
2 Making Evenings (4:22)
3 Black Brick Road (4:01)
4 Dystopia (3:48)
5 The Organ (4:41)
6 A Trip With The Moon (3:56)
7 Sister Sinister (4:10)
Written-By - Stina Rebelius
8 Rainy Day Away (4:44)
9 Crazyman (4:41)

LINE-UP:

Bass - Mikael Larsson
Drums - Johan Oudhuis
Guitar - Jorgen Cremonese
Guitar [Lead] - Magnus Sahlgren
Organ - Dan Helgeson
Vocals - Stina Rebelius , Ulrika Silver
Vocals, Guitar - Daniel Brennare