ALBUM REVIEW: Sub Rosa In Æternum – Tribulation
TRIBULATION have had so many changes of style over the years they could give TAYLOR SWIFT‘s Eras a run for their money. Starting off back in 2009 with pure death metal debut, The Horror, their love for well, horror, has led them down a macabre path to less extreme takes, slowly resurrecting each time into something slightly more gothic and latest album Sub Rosa In Æternum could well be the final form.
Whilst the band have said this wasn’t intentional and certainly may not be their completed style, the way in which they have pieced together this album takes all the best bits from their previous releases and adds an additional layer of theatre to it, the full record feeling like it genuinely could be a soundtrack to an upcoming dark film.
The most obvious change for the Swedish shadow lovers is a more committed use of vocalist Johannes Andersson‘s deep and doomy clean vocals but do not fear, his shrill rasps still show up from time to time, such as on single Saturn Coming Down. By fully immersing themselves into the darkness, the spook factor hits from intro, The Unrelenting Choir, with a tinge of synth and haunting guitar leads accompanying fans into what to expect.
For long time listeners, it may be a little unnerving for the wrong reasons, a bit like turning up to a Halloween party and realising no one else has dressed up as extremely as you, but once you’ve had a few drinks you don’t care. Not to say you need to be drunk to enjoy this album, but after a few listens, there’s no denying how ridiculously catchy most of the tracks are, with Tainted Skies showcasing similar vibes to Strange Gateways Beckon from a previous album, having you either humming along to the bouncy riff or quickly picking up the chorus lyrics and singing along with Johannes.
Other mellowed out, blackened bops come from aforementioned Saturn Coming Down and Drink The Love Of God, both of which could lead to head banging or some floaty dancing if your heart so desired, with a perfect balance of heavy and haunting. Slower, more romantic tunes including Hungry Waters and Reaping Song fully embrace the gothic elements, with THE SISTERS OF MERCY, NICK CAVE and maybe even more modern likes of CREEPER listeners enjoying the theatrics and emotion of it all.
Although it may take a few listens to get your head around and fully embrace the darkness, there is no denying that TRIBULATION have perfected this artform and musicianship to keep everyone interested no matter how grim and frostbitten you claim to be. It’s just a shame Sub Rosa In Æternum came out the day after Halloween, as it would have made for an ideal accompaniment for any party help, maybe next year!
Rating: 7/10
Sub Rosa in Æternum is out now via Century Media Records.
Like TRIBULATION on Facebook.