Norway’s TRISTANIA does it again with their fourth release Ashes marking a boarder territory for a band of excelling musical quality. This current offering from this group is an outstanding album of serious musical material. Such an immense release from this Norwegian band dishing melodic death metal with a twist of gothic in the mix, the material almost giving a touch of classic elegance to their sound.

The first song Libre is a straightforward death kick opener that sets the pace and mood of the album most atmospherically. One thing I noticed how soft the sensitive, almost painfully delicate the vocals along side the compelling guitar chords. Upon listening impact what is going on musically might not hit you the first time, but a second listen it will come to you in a realization that you’re listening to a symphonic masterpiece of atmospheric metal. Which transcends metal, as we know it! Song two Equilibrium is a nice change of pace considering that the lyrics say more and the music has a more doom like effect to it. In spite of that I feel the true significance of its intense vibe and touching lyrics heightens TRISTANIA’s seriousness.

Ashes has inspired such emotions of reflecting solace reaching realms of the soul to new musical influence that I have yet to explain what imagery is brought to. I cannot bring myself to describe the rest of TRISTANIA’s release to the listener but I leave you with one thought about this band. Compelling!