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I know this has been delayed for such a long time, but I hope that you would still be interested in reading this list. Not sure if I would write again for 2010’s, anyhow, here is my top 15 favorite albums in 2009 (I have included some 2008 releases # due to their late availability here...)

In no particular order:

1)Ataraxia-Oil On Canvas
I love every release by Ataraxia, even if it is a compilation of songs extracted from their previous albums. Their compilations are so unique and magical that they allow you to revisit and comprehend some of their past materials with a new perspective. “Oil on Canvas” is a fine collection of 14 songs which epitomizes Ataraxia’s unique aesthetics of delicacy and quaintness. This project is a total piece of art!

2)Ava Inferi- Blood Of Bacchus
The third album from this Portuguese gothic doom metal entity is definitely their best to date. Every song is tenebrous, with a complex musical structure that effortlessly wanders between styles (gothic rock, doom metal, progressive rock, fado), intensities and moods. What I enjoy most is the heavenly voice of Carmen Susana Simões, who can bewitch with her mystical altos and can hover with her sopranos.

3)Bacio di Tosca- Und Wenn Das Herz Auch Bricht!
The sophomore of this German neo classical/darkwave project takes a step further from their debut by introducing some subtle wave/darkwave elements into their neo-classical/dark opera exoskeleton. Their music becomes more upbeat and dynamic, yet Doerthe Flemming ‘s trademark darkly-timbered dramatic soprano remains as rich and sober as ever. This album will accompany your autumnal night with an ambience of tragic and lamentation.

4)Brillig- The Red Coats
Although Brillig’s music can be best described as alternative folk (similar to Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen), they strangely get more recognition from the gothic scene than elsewhere. All of their songs are stemmed from tragic folktales, and are beautifully written for and performed by a wide range of acoustic instruments. Be ready to sail across the ocean and experience a journey of nostalgia, bittersweet and melancholy.

5)Deleyaman –Forth Part One
This album embodies influences from diverse cultural backgrounds and mixes together tunes from the old (classical, folk and ethnic music) and the new (darkwave, gothic rock, ethereal and ambient). My favorite part is the use of the Armenian instrument Duduk, whose sound carries an archaic and mournful quality that could take you on a journey of transcendence and nostalgia.

6)Dot Allison-Room 7 1/2
Dot Allison’s forth solo effort follows the footsteps of her previous album “Exaltation of Larks” to create beautiful and lush psychedelic/alternative folk with timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Although there are moments that may disrupt the intimacy and melancholy of the album (especially those with guest singers!), for a nostalgic reason, Dot’s haunting and silky voice always holds a place in my heart.

7)Ivana- Italia: Ultimo Atto
This Italian talent has excelled themselves in their follow-up to their glittery debut “Disobbedisco!”. “Italia: Ultimo Atto” is an eclectic medley of Italian Pop, 70s progressive rock, neo-folk, classical and Morricone’s film scores. The album successfully captures the vicissitudes and decadence of the Italian history in the past sixty years. A magnum opus of art!

8)Les Modules Etranges-Dawn
While it is not easy to find bands playing 80-influenced gothic rock these days, it is even more difficult to find new bands playing this sort of music with a female vocal. This French trio timely fills this void with their debut “Dawn”, which features some hypnotic and distorted guitars, fat and rumbling baselines and a ghastly seductive female voice.

9)Patty Moon-Lost In Your Head #
I really enjoy Patty Moon’s debut, which is a deliciously moving trip hop release in the same vein as Portishead/Goldfrapp’s. In her sophomore, Patty Moon has taken a more organic approach in her compositions. By using piano, accordion, and string instruments, she has crafted an exquisite orchestral-pop album, which is highlighted by some mellow and unforgettable melodies and the ever emotive and fragile vocals of hers.

10)Tethrippon-S/T
This is one of the most exalting debuts in the apocalyptic folk/ martial industrial scene. Inspired by the Greek mythology, this Greek duo creates powerful and bombastic neo-folk /martial music with grandiloquent drums, extravagant orchestration, and upsurging chants. This pompous outfit would surely appeal to fans of Rosa Crux, Dernière Volonté and Wappenbund.

Other albums that I enjoyed very much in 2009:

11)Ad Ombra- Magna Charta Illusorum
The sophomore of this Romanian dark neo-classical act sounds even more sinister and dramatic than his bewildering debut! Masterfully interweaves intense orchestration and daunting industrial samples with tumultuous narration and voluptuous choirs and sopranos, this is an ominous soundtrack for a 50s-60s horror movie. This album is very close to what Chaostar have done in their self-titled debut.

12)Lisa Hammer-Dakini
The solo debut of one of my favorite female vocalists riffs off all the drama, tension and gothic elements found in her previous project Mors Syphilitica. Dakini is a tranquil and spiritual album which features Lisa’s heavenly voices, pious chants, tribal drums and floating ambient drones. It is always an otherworldly experience when I immense myself into Lisa’s ethereal voice.

13)Mena Brinno-Wicked Polly
My zealot for gothic metal has been dying lately because the genre has become over packed with unoriginal bands and mediocre musicians. The most disappointing feature is the amateurish performance of those classically trained sopranos. Although there are some flaws, I enjoy “Wicked Polly” a lot because here you find some interesting ideas and lyrics, skillful guitar solos and on the forefront Katy’s glorious soprano delivery, which is definitely of the top-notch quality in the genre.

14)The Eden House-Smoke And Mirrors
Featuring ex-members of Fields of the Nephilim, NFD, and This Burning Effigy and various female vocalists, the debut of this super-star collaborative project is simply mesmerizing. Every song is well-layered upon luscious vocals and swirling instrumentation. This is a solid 90s-sounding gothic/alternative rock album with an ethereal twist.

15)Verney 1826-Nebelland
The debut from this German one-man project is an esoteric concoction of experiments, ambience, neo-classical, neo-folk, darkwave and martial industrial. The spotlight goes to the dramatic soprano Anna Aliena, whose guest appearance ornaments the music with a tinge of tragedy and sorrow, leading the music to its climax.

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This is the first part

The second part of this retrospection is my top 15 less known gems I bought in 2008 which I enjoyed very much...(in no particular order) :

1)Common Language-Scar
This rather unknown all-female trio was apparently influenced by the “Garlands” and “Head over heels”-era of Cocteau Twins. “Scar” is fabricated with elements which mark the success of the aforementioned albums: a competent female voice, two shimmering guitars, a gothic-tinged bass line and an aloof drum machine. The result is an interesting and appealing album for fans of old Cocteau Twins

2)Eternalux-Eternalux
This defunct Chicago group created 90s sounding dream pop/shoegazer music which reminds me bands such as Orange, Heavenside, Annie Barker and of course Cocteau Twins. Their music is direct but well-structured: The magnificent and versatile female voice is supported by shimmering guitars and hypnotic baselines. The drum part is dynamic but never gets out of control. I love this.

3)Gamine-Sabotage
Although this is not a much unknown entity as compared to other bands on this list, Sabotage is a darkly seductive album that has a personal importance to me. Gamine create music which is strongly inspired by film noirs, classical music, chanson and jazz. Claudia’s voice is sweet and wispy and Ian’s piano playing is delicate and heart-stirring. This is a mellow red wine is to be sipped alone after the city lights turn off.

4)In Tenebris-From Blood And Water
The sophomore from this now sadly disbanded group is a pulsating and ebullient gothic rock /darkwave release with a metal sensibility. Their music is hypnotic but heavy, thanks to the beautiful performance of the classically trained vocalist and the omnipresence of the guitar riffs and keyboard programming. It is without surprise that they were often compared to bands such as Bella Morte, Diva Destruction, Silvery or Swtichblade Symphony.

5)Laudano-Dies Irae
Dies Irae is the ambitious effort from this young Spanish group to combine gothic metal, classical, choral music, darkwave and heavenly voices together. Although there are some immature and unmemorable moments, “Dies Irae” is a romantic and beautiful album with much quality and innovation. With more experiences, this band would be able to juxtapose themselves with giants like Therion, Illuminate, Lacrimosa and Samas Traum.

6)Lullaby-Deep
This is a haunting incorporation of darkwave, gothic rock and doom metal where the clear and crystalline female voice matches perfectly with the melancholic and ethereal music. Their music is hard to pigeonhole though because at times they sound very gothic rock but when the metal riffs kick in the music goes towards a doom metal direction. This work will be very welcomed by fans of female-fronted metal bands such as The Gathering, Leave’s Eyes and Twelth of Never (!!!).

7)Mortal Clay- Procession Of Spectres
The sophomore from this Orgeon-based duo is a very original and innovative effort in which the gothic and industrial aggressiveness is often intertwined with ethereal female voices. Their harmonization and arrangement often defy against the traditional rules by utilizing scales which are not prominent in the western classically-influenced music. The result is a very disturbed and chaotic, yet exceptionally beautiful musical experience that would appeal to fans of Die Form or Swans.

8)Nicole Kasparian-Djanem
I was attracted to Nicole’s music through a Prikosnovenie’s compilation called Iris. Djanem is her only full length album which comprises of classically arranged pieces mainly adopted from the traditional Armenian repertoire. The entire album is filled with the warmth of Nicole’s soprano and the elegance of piano and accordion. This is a pure pulchritude that would appeal to fans of Chanson and Classical Music.

9)Seraphim Gothique- The Halo Hits The Floor
A hardly be found album from this unknown gothic rock group from the early 90s. The band was undoubtedly influenced by traditional gothic rock acts such as Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus, and thereby this album is filled by hypnotic guitars, edgy bass lines and bleak atmosphere. This is one of the few traditional (80s) gothic rock releases that are sung by an enticing female voice.

10)Whimsical- Setting Suns are semicircles
This is the only album from this defunct quintet. “Setting Suns are semicircles” is a short but charming shoegazer/dream pop gem where the classic elements are adequately presented: airy and psychedelic angelic voice, jangling and muffled guitar layers, swirling and lulling bass lines and energetic and rhythmic drums. This release precisely captures the free-spirit and dynamics that were established by bands such as Lush and My Bloody Valentine during the blissful times of college rock.

5 other names:

11)At The Funeral Of My Violet Rabbit - La Rivolta dei Tulipani/ Al Funerale Del Mio Coniglio Viola
Two releases from this dark ambient project from Italy which comprise of some epic orchestral passages, brooding piano work and soft industrial samples. For the solitary and hopeless nights.

12)Beltane-World of Dreams
Hailing from Australian, Worlds of Dreams is an esthetical mix of heavenly voices and darkwave with a classical and medieval touch. They remind me some work from Bel Canto and especially God’s Bow.

13)Ecodalia- Angel’s Candour
The debut from this Spanish replicates the classic 4AD or Heavenly voices sounds: ethereal (not so heavenly) female vox, shimmering layers of guitars, fluttering synthesizer and repetitive drum loops. Nothing groundbreaking here but this is a lovely record to listen to.

14)Hana-Omen
The collaboration between the angelic voice from Sky Cries Mary and the ambient master Jeff Greinke results in some soulful, mellifluous, and unworldly trip hop-ambient tunes.

15)Silvery-Black Box
An energetic alternative rock/ gothic rock release with some powerful metal riffs and electronic darkwave edges. The frequent addition of synthesized-orchestral passages gives a special touch to the entire album.

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Okay, I’m done with these two lists and hope you all enjoy reading through them. Many bad things happened to me in 2008 and therefore I didn’t have much energy and time for music. Hopefully, 2009 is a better year for me, personally and musically…

I know this has been delayed (after all this is already the end of March, 2009) but I hope that you would still be interested in reading this list. So Here is my top 15 favorite albums in 2008 (I have included some 2007 releases# due to their late availability here...)

In no particular order:

1)Ad Ombra- Rites of Genesis
The debut from this Romanian group is an epic, bombastic and dramatic dark orchestral/neo-classical masterwork that is provocatively intense and stunningly beautiful. Their music is a skillful balance of strenuous symphonic-splendor and largo ambient-interludes, extravagant choirs and sublime mezzo-soprano, and chaotic industrial soundscape and somber classical mystery. This entity is definitely comparable to chameleons like Chaostar and Elend.

2)Alive With Worms-Incognito
After 12 years of disappearance, this Danish cult act unexpectedly returns with their second effort which is an exhilarating alternative rock/ blues/ punk/ gothic release. The musicianship and songwriting is of top notch quality: the trademark expressive and versatile singing and vibratos, the catchy and hurried guitar and bass and the pulsating and pounding drums! From this album you can glimpse through their music visions which spans from the 80s to this new millennium. Welcome back.

3)Bacio Di Tosca– Der Tod Und Das Madchen #
There are only few in the scene have successfully incorporated opera, darkwave and neo-classical together and created a mood or atmosphere which has its root stemmed in the tragic gothic romanticism. Here, Doerthe Flemming (ex-charitona)’s soprano is solemn and lyrical while the synthesizer and piano driven arrangement is epic and has a soundtrack-like structure. By the time this is posted online, they have already released their sophomore, which is an even more solid and mature work to date.

4)Blooding Mask- The 5 Monsters
This obscure Italian cult duo creates music that is definitely one of a kind. The 5 Monsters is a wonderful mélange of gothic rock, darkwave, classical choirs, ritual, ethereal music and vocal experimentation. The overall atmosphere is very ominous and unusual. An innovative and captivating album that deserves more listeners.

5)Brett Anderson-Wilderness
A surprise to me! The sophomore from ex-frontman of the Britpop Giant Suede rips off all his previous stardom rockability effort and delivers 9 minimalistic, almost neo-classically tinged pieces which are supported merely by piano, cello, guitar and Brett’s mournful voices. An album filled with tenderness, introspection and solitude.\

6) Chandeen-Teenage Poetry
After their disbandment in 2002, the originator of the now bygone genre Heavenly Voices returns with a pretty, timeless ambient-wave-dream pop album. Teenage Poetry can be seen as a quintessence of the band’s past 14 years experiences, as well as a revelation of the band’s current vision towards contemporary sounds. The result is a medley of Heavenly Voices, Ambient, Cinematic drones, Wave and Dream Pop which is so familiar to fans of Chandeen. From Shades of The Leaves to Teenage Poetry, many changes have occurred to the band and to the tunes they created. Chandeen are the best eyewitness of the rise and fall of this beautiful music genre: Heavenly Voices.

7)Dperd- Regalero Il Mio Tempo
Inspired by the gloomy weather in their city, the sophomore of this Sicanian duo (ex-Fear of the Storm) continues their effort to create music that is filled with smokiness, melancholy and solitude. The melody lines are sung by a sultry female voice and arranged with some trip-hoppish beats and delicate composition which never go beyond the normal spectrum of the auditory nerves. Sometimes there is even a smack of traditional Italian Pop. This is the best soundtrack for foggy and cloudy days.

8)Kinonvia- Knjiga Pelinova
The sophomore of this rather unknown Serbian group is a serene and brooding mix of neo folk (guitar, bass, percussion), neo classical music (flute, cello, violin) and the traditional Serbian folk music. The instrumentation and arrangement are grazioso but rich, and at times they remind me bands such as Romowe Rikoto, Neutral and Argine.

9)Lunascape-Innerside
The third release from this Belgian outfit continues their path of incorporating memorable melodies, ethereal female vocals, pulsating synth and catchy guitar work into their music. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of trip hop, pop rock and electro-pop which is very chilling and very pleasing to the ears.

10)Milu-Longing speaks with many tongues
Milu’s debut did not impress me a lot due to its pop-oriented compositions. Her sophomore, however, is a sheer haunting and bewitching dark ethereal “magnum opus” where Milu’s emotive and sensual multioctaves voices are drown into the mysterious and esoteric music background. Very soothing and inspiring.

Other interesting releases I enjoyed very much in 2008:

11) And Also The Trees – (Listen For) The Rag and Bone Man
The 10th studio album from this fairly underrated legend is probably their most mature work to date. This masterpiece is filled with haunting and swarthy atmosphere and the unique artistic sensitivity which belongs only to AATT: the low and sensational crooning of Simon, the lush and drenching guitars Justin, the beautiful and organic sounds of various instruments and the muffled and gentle pumping of the percussion…A triumphant comeback!


12) Apart- Across The Empty Night
A profound, placid and fragile neo-folk/post-rock release from ex-members of All My Faith Lost. Deep male croons, tentative ethereal female voices, desolate piano chords, sparse acoustic guitar, faraway ambient drones…A wonderful companion to those lonely bleak nights.

13)Friends of Alice Ivy-Hereafter Moth
This lovely EP is the debut of the Australian dream pop/ethereal group, a side project of the two members from Ostia. Musically they are similar to Ostia, which is based on Kyle’s angelic and luscious vocals and Amp’s dreamy and lush instrumentation. Nevertheless, Friends of Alice Ivy sounds lighter and “cuter” than the more dreamy and melancholic Ostia.

14)Irfan- Seraphim#
The sophomore of this Bulgarian group demonstrates an obvious improvement from their debut. This is an eclectic masterpiece of Bulgarian/Balkan/Oriental folk, European medieval and neo-classical music, and modern ethereal and heavenly voices. Be ready for a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred places and pneuma in human’s history.

15)Paulin Bundgen- Etrange Septembre#
The debut of this countertenor is a majestic and unique crossover of neo-classical and dark electronica. Beneath Paulin’s splendid countertenor experimentation are some subtle electronic sounds, dark ambience passages and tribal-like rhythm. The closet comparison might be the avant-garde acts such as Sarrazine and Christian Wolz from Prikosnovenie.


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This is the first part...

*** I have made a very important change to this entry because I have forgotten to put Chandeen's Teenage Poetry on my top 10 ***

The second part of my retrospection is my top 15 less known gems I found in 2007 which I enjoyed very much. I hope that their names would not be forgotten in the ocean of time...(in no particular order) :

1)Another Tale-Nightmare Voices

This is the debut from the now disbanded German Gothic Rock legend. “Nightmare Voices” is a wonderful showpiece of how 90s gothic rock soundED: deep vocals, searing and pumping guitars, pulsating drumming and, last but not least, melancholic but ear-catching melodies which has a strong quality of German Romanticism; one that is so unique to those German Gothic Rock legends like Another Tale, Dreadful Shadows and Garden of Delight.


2)Ars Poetica – Ars Poetica

A hardly be found album from this rather unknown ethereal/dream pop group from the 90s. Somehow they remind me a dreamier Rose Chronicle or a less ambient Chandeen. The album beautifully starts with song-oriented ethereal dream-pop tracks; and creatively concludes with two surprising ambient sound collages. “Laid In Earth” (Track 7) is a mesmerizing gem that could juxtapose Ars Poetica with the darker sounding legends appeared on Hyperium’s “Heavenly Voices I and II”.

3)Benjamin Stauffer - The Tears of Things

The sophomore from this Chicago composer is a dark and romantic neo-classical masterpiece. It is an instrumental piano work with sporadic additions of orchestral synths, church bells, harpsichord and drums. The piano parts are reverbed heavily, making this album especially chilling, hypnotic, melancholic and lonely. This release can appeal to the Gothic crowd or fans of Ozymandias.


4)Cyclamen Valley - The Mist Flowers Exhibition

The result of this collaboration between Marc Durant and members of the Belgian group Swan Death is a poetic, romantic and brooding piece of work. Their music comprises of both male and female voices, classical piano and sparse percussion, heavy synth and ambient drone…Not the most technically and harmonically precise or mature release in the genre, nevertheless the strong presence of sentiment and atmosphere in their work is comparable to bands like This Mortal Coil, Black Tape For A Blue Girl, and especially the Italian duo Black Rose. I love this!

5)Nirnaeth - Haud H'En Nirnaeth

The debut from this Polish dark neo-classical project is work that filled with agony, desolation and sorrow. The intertwining of grievous whispers and despair screams, and the classical texture of wretched piano and mourning violins somewhat reminds me a less extravagant Elend or Chaostar.

6)Hollow Sun – Alone

“Alone” is a wonderful acoustic release which comprises of 9 beautiful ballads about the pain of life, love and solitude. Their music is simple and tranquil but never goes repetitive and monotonous, thanks to the stylistic and versatile guitar duets and the occasion addition of piano, flute and minimalist electronics. The biggest asset of this band is the expressive and emotive female voice (with hints of classical trained techniques) which reminds me bands like Dwelling, The Gathering and Ordo Equitum Solis (!!!).


7)Ostia-From The Aether

A breathtaking ethereal/dream pop “magnum opus” with a dark, delicate and very dreamy atmosphere. While Kylie’s heavenly voices are drowned into layers of swirling revered guitars, the deep-rolling bass are drenched with floating electronic sounds. The addition of cello further enriches their music texture with elegance and nostalgia. Floating, dreamy, ethereal…Classic!

8)Plumerai – Plumerai

This is a short but interesting debut with elements ranging from post-punk, trip hop, shoegazer and dream pop. Their heavy use of groovy basses and shimmering guitars somewhat reminds me those decent pieces from All About Eve or The Cure. The highlight of this album is Kathryn’s celestial and heavenly voice, which is always expressive and emotive. This is a release that would surely appeal to fans of ethereal rock or blissful pop.

9)Richard Moult-The Secret Joy

An aesthetic neo romantic classical release with 15 short pieces with lyrics beautifully drawn from poems. This record is a live performance of two sopranos with clear and crystalline voices and a pianist whose performance is a reminiscence of Schubert’s Art Songs. This is a delicate and exquisite work which is most suitable for a classical and elegant night.

10)Weltschmerz - Capitale de la Douleur

The sophomore from this Italian Gothic/Darkwave band is a heavy, oppressive, and depressing piece of work. The orchestral synth, distorted guitars, convoluted baselines and doomed drumming are crushed together; while the mournful male and female voices are echoed around the melodies. The result is a unique Wave-influenced Gothic Rock masterpiece with a heavily layered soundscape.

5 other names as follow:

11)91 Tales – Good For You, Good For Me

Probably the “preincarnation” of Solar Twins. Soft and ethereal trip-pop/trip hop with an angelic and hypnotic voice. Something like Delirium or Conjure One or Solar Twins (of coz)

12)Cello-L'Ombre Du Temps

Appeared in “Heavenly Voices 3”, this is a haunting ethereal wave pop release with some gothic twists.

13)Exovedate-Seduced By Illusions

An amazing gothic neo-classical release with a mysterious and cinematic mood that reminds me Gothic cathedrals, vampires, cemetery…

14)Liata –Sensations

An eclectic mix of neo-classical, European folk, fado and world music sung by a mezzo soprano and performed with classical guitar, violin accordion, flute, and dulcimer, and a fascinating mezzo soprano.



15)Live Not On Evil- Lucky Stiff

A piercing mix of gothic, garage rock and metal riffs. Exciting!


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Finally, I am done with my lists! Hope you have enjoyed my lists and find these bands interesting...Best wishes in 2008

I know this has been delayed and is TOO LATE to have this entry posted, but I still hope that you would be interested to read over this list..My top 10 favorite albums in 2007 (I have included two 2006 releases due to their late availability here...)

In no particular order:

1)Ataraxia- Kremasta Nera

After the bizarre dark cabaret masterpiece “Paris Spleen”, this legendary Italian quartet comes up with another mesmerizing release that combines their typical and harmonic beauties with unexpected ethnic vocal and rhythmic experimentation. This is an enigmatic and spiritual voyage to the ancient Greek isle of Samothrace.

2)Deadchovsky- Spiritus Sancti Bizarre

The most exciting death-rock album of the year! Like a nightmare in a circus where theatrical and ghostly vocals are frantically collided with the gothic-punky hypnotic guitars and crushed bass lines. What makes this French talent outshine their peers is the use of organs in diminished arpeggios & chords and LOTS of quirky sound effects! Bizarre!

3)Crisantemo del Carrione - Fiore Di Passione

Peculiarly mixed gothic rock, new wave, neo-folk, traditional Italian Pop and Tango music together, this is surely the most creative and distinctive debut in the neo-folk scene in 2007. Let’s hope they could make a blast like their fellow Ivana did last year.

4)Die Verbannten Kinder Evas-Dusk and Void Became Alive

A solemn pilgrimage to a lost era, the majestic dark middle age! DVKE mix bombastic orchestration with polyphonic heavenly vocals, making this wonderful dark neo-classical release a best soundtrack for a chilling autumnal night or an epic dark fantasy movie.

5)Dot Allison – Exaltation Of Larks of Larks

From the trip-hop debut, to the lo-fi electro sophomore, and now to this psychedelic/ alternative folk masterpiece, Dot has once again proven herself as both a gifted vocalist and unconventional song-writer. “Exaltation of Larks” is a breeze in the autumn wafted by Dot’s lush and emotive voices and her timeless songwriting.

6)Heaven Falls Hard - Solace

When most “ethereal bands” in the “dark music scenes” these days are more likely to be neo-classical-inspired or electronic-based, HFH remain as one of the few bands which create gothic ethereal music influenced by the 80s or 90s pioneers like bands from Tess and Bedazzled. “Solace” is a classic filled with gothic melancholy and lonely intimacy.

7)Hexperos-The Garden of the Hesperides

The debut of this dark neo-classical group formed by the ex-Gothica Alessandra Santovito is a sublime work full of imagination and exquisiteness. Be ready to linger in this heavenly and exotic garden where the songbird is hovering over the chamber of sea. The rework of Caccini ‘s “Ave Maria” is especially touching!

8)Ilya – Somerset

Another captivating work from one of my favorite trip hop outfits. In “Somerset” their songwriting skills are matured and Ilya have managed to incorporated more sounds and elements than their critically-acclaimed debut. The highlight of this masterpiece is Jo Swan’s passionate and versatile croon which make you feel like sipping some wines at a smoky Parisian bar at a chilly night in the 50s.

9)Places4Tears – The silent flame

The sophomore of this yet unsigned German quintet is an eclectic mix of gothic, darkwave, heavenly voices, shoegazer and ambience; where the heavenly melodic croons and the deep-swirling harmony of guitar and bass are interestingly mingled with some minimalistic piano and synthesized passages. It sounds chilling and eeire at times, nevertheless remains atmospheric and ethereal.

10)Ostia – Between Two Cities

10 years after their full-length album “From the Aether”, the much missed trio Ostia return with this short but enchanting 4-track EP which is filled with mellow and sensual female voices, lush and floating guitars, and languid and drifting bass lines. Dreamy, lenitive, and exceptionally beautiful that reminds me the era when dream pop /heavenly voices are at their climax.

Other interesting releases I enjoyed very much in 2007:

11)All my faith lost- The Hours

A slow, profound, romantic, and serene dark neo-classical work filled with sadness, tenderness and loneliness. Angelic female voices, deep male croon, and sparse acoustic guitars, strings, flutes and piano…like a fading flame flickering in the caged corner of your soul.

12)Annie Barker- Mountains and Tumult

Despite some obvious influences of Cocteau Twins in the lushness of those shimmering guitars and the gliding of the vocal parts, “Mountains and Tumult” is a memorable and blissful release, thanks to Annie Barker’s emotive crystalline voices and her strong personality in the songwriting.


13)Lacklustre Mirror - The Book Of The Shattered Bonds

This is an unusual and eclectic mix of progressive rock, gothic, neo-classical, Chinese scales and ethereal voices with a strong cinematic and apocalyptic mood. This is something that will grow inside you every time you listen to it again. Intriguing!

14)The Horrors- Strange House

A decent work from the retro-fad in the mainstream. Quite an exciting garage rock release with some interesting punk and post-punk tricks that you would want to bang your head and shake your body with their dirty and gritty sounds.


15)Vision of Atlantis – Trinity

Although Trinity is not the most original Gothic-Metal release in this hectic genre, there are some interesting music arrangements and catching melodies which will appeal fans of this type of music. Their new singer, Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Aesma Daeva) is the spotlight of this album. Her professional and expressive soprano is way better than many her amateurish contemporary.




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So here is the first part of my retrospection. I will be writing on some unknown gems I found in 2007... With timely delay :)

The below are the top 10 less known gems I bought in 2006 which I enjoyed very much and have surprised me by their creativity or musicianship :

** most of the albums released in the 90s **

1) Alive With Worms-Alive With Worms

Imagine Siouxsie playing blues-rock with a gothic twist. Imagine there is a vocalist which is a mix of Kate Bush’s soaring and thrilling vibratos and Diamanda Galas’ deep and powerful vocal experiment. This is what Alive With Worms, a defunct underground Danish band offers in their only one and the last full-length album.

2) Annabelle’s Garden- Blütenrausch

Very nice dark folk/neo-folk from this now defunct German group. Something between Sol Invictus and Sixth Comm. Full of melancholic beauty and nostalgic sadness. Out of Print.

3) Ariaphonics-Ariaphonics

A unique crossover between opera and 70 progressive rock/space rock. Stunning soprano unifies with enchanting music. Delicate, exquisite and beautiful!

4) Crimson Joy-Badlands

The only album from this German Gothic Rock band. A painful, brooding and enticing album filled with swirling guitars, floating keyboards, and the excellent performance of the Siouxsie-influenced female vox.

5) God's Bow – What ‘s Beyond The Suns

A rather unknown polish darkwave group with a female voice which reminds me Anneli from Bel Canto. Their music is like Bel Canto + Dead Can Dance getting into the abyssal darkwave. Beautiful.

6) Heavenside-Starless

A very unknown 80 sounding dream pop band with the typical formula: floating female vox, lush and crystalline guitars, hypnotic rhythms. Although there is nothing original, this album is very melodic and enjoyable. A reminiscence of bands like Cocteau Twins, All About The Eve, Orange.

7) Liva-Requiem

A very nice progressive gothic metal debut from Quebec. With a cliché line up of soprano & clean male voice, “Requiem” is NOT another typical Gothic Metal release without any creativity and originality. Their music is well arranged and their instrumental performance put them ahead of the average bands in the genre. By the way, they are the first metal band singing in full Latin.

8) Nicole Renaud - Les Amants Solitaires

An aesthetic neo-classical /neo baroque/ chanson release from this NYC artist. Renaud is a soprano with a very delicate, clear and sensitive voice.

9) Sea Of Tranquility-Landed

A very beautiful album fronted by a pure, transparent and exquisite female voice. “Landed” is a very diverse album with music elements ranged from dark neo-classical, jazzy ballad, trip hop/pop, acapella, vocal experimentation. This album’s recording is worth mentioning – very well embellished.

10) Stare-Haunted

A very nice gothic rock debut with an ethereal, eerie and VERY hypnotic atmosphere. Layers of shimmering guitars backed by distinctive bassline are treated with deep reverb effects. Fronted by a bewitching female voice, luring into the chilly abyssal.



Other 5 names to be mentioned:
11) Collaborateur-Tempest
Dark electro with haunting and timeless melodies, something like Project 12:01)

12) La Luna O C Nithar- Die Tranen Der Dunkelheit
One woman industrial ritual, wicked stuff

13) Kapel Maister – Into Salvation
Neo-classical metal with 2 sopranos from Argentina, more interesting than Nightwish

14) Nova Venus- Vegaloop (from the now defunct Hyperium, chilly trip hop/downtempo with a floating female voice, something like My Scarlet’s Life)

15) Tel Besta - Laid up in Lavender
Ethereal folk with female voice, something like Cherche Lune

Alright, all the nostalgic reviews are done. I hope you would enjoy my lists and find them interesting...

I know it’s a bit too late to post this entry, but I hope you would still be interested in the following list – My top 10 favorite albums in 2006 (some of them are released in 2005 although I got in 2006, and in no particular order):

1) Ataraxia-Paris Spleen

Ataraxia have once again proven and surprised the world with their brimless creativity and transcendent musicianship on “Paris Spleen”. A break from their usual neo-classical/medieval solemnity, “Paris Spleen” is a wild, dirty and bizarre dark cabaret masterpiece without losing our familiar yet ever-haunting voices, chords and harmonies of this trio.

2) Cabiria-No Time For Dreaming

One of the BEST trip hop releases I have ever come across. Spooky and melancholic trip hop framework embellished by classically influenced (like Rachmaninov & Brahms) violin passages and topped by Valerie’s smooth alternation between airy and operatic voices. Haunting and exceptionally beautiful.

3) Cinema Strange-Quatorze Exemples Authentiques Du Triomphe De La Musique Decorative

Another winning opus from this death-rock legend, in which they have advanced themselves by taking a more direct and punkish musical approach and adding spooky chamber-interludes to present the eerie & Weimar-influenced stories written by Lucas, whose earsplitting falsettos are forever unique and recognizable.

4) Deadfly Ensemble-An Entire Wardrobe of Doubt and Uncertainty

A fascinating debut from the side project of Lucas Lanthier (Cinema Strange). More atmospheric, minimalistic and experimental than CS, but their trademark sound – spooky and eerie “gothic cabaret” & Lucas’ theatrical falsetto — remains. “An Entire Wardrobe of Doubt and Uncertainty” is not only music with profundity but also an artistic journey to the tragic realm of darkness.

5) Elis-Griefshire

A nice melodic/gothic metal release from this Lithuanian outfit with all the typical elements in the genre: heavy guitar riffs/solo, driving drums beats, catchy melodies, classical orchestration and emotive female voices and choirs performed by Sabine Duenser who is talent enough to set out a very interesting concept for this album yet now sadly deceased. A final tribute to her. R.I.P. :(

6) Ianva-Disobbedisco!

Definitely a highlight in the 2006 neo-folk scene, regardless the fact that this is the Italian’s group debut. An epic and touching conceptual album with influences from Italian folk(history), martial-folk, tango, 70 progressive rock, decadent cabaret and Morricone’s film scores. One of a kind and very enjoyable.

7) Inner Exit-Touched

An eclectic and eerie mix of dark neo-classical, folk, modern, electronica and avant-garde music. Not too far from Caprice, for both groups are fronted by a mellow mezzo-soprano, although Inner Exit’s lead singer Vesna Marinovic sounds more frantic and wild in some passages, giving their music a more edgy and unpredictable touch. Interesting.

8) Mask-Heavey Petal

Breathtaking ethereal vocals/melodies performed by the acid folk cult icon Sonja Kristina drowned into the lush, dreamy and swirling ambient drone created by sound professional Marvin Ayres. Classical instruments/improvisation (cello, violin, piano) orchestrated with delicate trippy and tribal beats. A 60mins journey to the heavenly dreamland.

9) Monica Richards-Infra Warrior

The debut solo from the frontwoman of Faith & the Muse is a fusion of world music with gothic/dark atmosphere. Exotic tribal/ethnic drums & beats, lush classical orchestration, pumping and driving electronic modernity… Be sure to dig into Monica’s lyrics which are as sometimes metaphorical but definitely inspiring.

10) Violet Tears-Cold Memories & Remains

This Italian gothic/wave band delivers the best elements of 80s gothic/dark/wave music on their full-length debut: lushy and swirling guitars, atmospheric and keyboards, rumbling bass, melancholic and cold melodies & ethereal female voice. A reminiscence of The Cure, This Ascension, Trees, All About the Eve…Classy gem!

Other interesting releases I enjoyed very much in 2006:

11) Artesia-Hilvern

Sad and melancholic dark neo-classical group from France. Not too different from Dark Sanctuary, but definitely worth checking out.

12) En velous Noir-Dans Les Fleurs De Velours Noir

Spooky and decadent piano cabaret/ improvision, featuring Maethelyiah, the shadowy female vox from the cult Italian Death Rock group Blooding Mask. A nice soundtrack for “Film Noir”.

13) Diodati – Souls Lament

A very strange and brooding piano-oriented dark and murky neo classical album, mixing their own composition with classical giants like Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Satie.

14) Narsilion-Arcadia

A beautiful and fancy mix of dark medieval and neo-classical/folk with a strong cinematic and atmospheric touch. A luscious trip to the thither fairyland.

15) Trespassers William-Having

A decent sophomore from this acoustic rock band fronted by an emotive female voice. Not as touching and moving than their previous album, nevertheless their music always touches me and breaks my heart.

Here it is. Hope my English is not too clumsy for you to understand. I’m writing on another list which is some of the less known gems I got in 2006…

I should be writing my top 10 albums in 2006 as it is already the end of Jan 2007. But as this will take me quite a lot of time and energy, so I decide to write about a wonderful release that I'm really into lately (as you can see from the top charts)--Place4tear's "The silent flame".

Place4tears is a band from Germany, formed by Tyves (guitars, bass, music, vocals, lyrics, synthesizers, programming) and Schuchy (guitars, backing-voice), with Sabine & Julia contributing their ethereal vox to the music. Lars is the drummer.

Their music is very atmospheric and melancholic. It's a harmonious mix of Darkwave, Gothic, Heavenly Voices and Shoegazer. They can be compared with bands like Slowdive, The Cure, Trance to the Sun (especially one of my beloved tracks "the legend of the robbed fire"), Boudoir, or even Lycia and bands from the label Hyperium or Projekt...blah blah blah. But they're not another clone of the aforementioned bands. Their music is moore cinematic, especially tracks like "The call of the mermaid", "Riding the waves home", of which their music and lyrics give me a feeling of going along with the waves in a brimless ocean:-). Some tracks also have a mysterious and minimalistic feeling like "Who knows" and "Be a queen". That is to say their atmosphere, emotion and cohesion of the music stands on their own.

One minor thing is that some of the songs can be elaborated more, because they stop when I find them very interesting. But it's just a hungry person's saying:).

In conclusion, "the silent flame" is a very enticing and mesmerizing album. It's a very good sountrack for a chilly midnight. Close your eyes and let this 73 mins album embraces you and drown you into the swirling darkwave.

Check them out at www.place4tears.com & www.myspace.com/place4tears



Actually,Hong Kong is getting cold these days and we don't usually get a heater at home, so this album is a perfect soundtrack for me at this moment. Well, if I have got this album in 2006, it will definately be on my top 10 list. Let's hope for the 2007's list then. :)

Oh yeah, for the top 2006 list, I will definatley write on it, some time later.