Playing any kind of crossover can be a risky business; fumble the ball and a band can find themselves in a kind of musical no-man’s-land and without an appreciable audience to play to. That’s why you have to admire Swedish band Tribulation and their decision to dish out a goth/black/death fusion. In a case of fortune favouring the brave, the band have developed a truly original sound that incorporates the glacial cool of Bauhaus and the bombastic approach of Kiss and rolls them up in one perfect package. Album number six consolidates their position as leaders and Sub Rosa In Æternum places them well ahead of the pack.
When it comes to heavy metal, Sweden is a country that punches well above its weight (it’s one of their leading exports after all). Maybe it’s those long Nordic nights, the expansive landscapes or the prevalence of Gothic architecture, but whatever the reason I’m sure glad they bring their unique flavour to the party and they don’t come more unique than Tribulation. Drawing equal influence from classic horror films (most notably the Italian Giallo variety) and British goth (think Sisters Of Mercy/March Violets), it’s an arresting noise that the band create and any of these nine tracks would make the perfect soundtrack to some uber-cool slasher flick, and most notably ‘Tainted Skies’. Panoramic and cinematic, the combination of words and music that Tribulation employ create strong visuals in your mind’s eye and create a sense of unease within the listener, and like the very best horror flick will send a shiver down your spine and raise the hairs on the nape of your neck.
As an old school metalhead I was always partial to a bit of gothic rock, but I always felt a little let down by the thin and reedy production. I often wondered how much more powerful and impactful Bauhaus would have been had they been given a decent production, well now the answer has arrived in the shape of Sub Rosa In Æternum. Tracks such as ‘Drink The Love Of God’ inhabit that magic place between metal and goth, and will appeal equally to fans of both. While not a concept album per se, this record hangs together as a collective whole; it flows like an old school album and should be treated as such. While it is perfectly feasible to dip in and out, listen to Sub Rosa In Æternum in one sitting to fully appreciate its ebb and flow.
Long term fans will be sated by this release; it’s familiar but the band are moving their sound forwards which gives things a fresh slant, and for those checking out Tribulation for the first time…welcome to the dark side!
- Sub Rosa In Æternum is released via Century Media on 1st November 2024.
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Track List:
- The Unrelenting Choir
- Tainted Skies
- Saturn Coming Down
- Hungry Waters
- Drink The Love Of God
- Murder In Red
- Time, The Vivid One
- Reaping Song
- Poison Pages
