LAKE OF TEARS „Black Brick Road”

Genre: Gothic Rock
www.lakeoftears.net

I must admit I’ve never been a huge fan of Sweden’s Lake of Tears. Not that I don’t think they’re any good, it’s just that I’ve never gone out of my way to purchase any of their material. These guys have an eight album strong back catalogue and until now, I’ve only ever heard 1999’s ‘Forever Autumn’. Perhaps I need to revisit their past deeds a little further – based on this ‘comeback’ album ‘Black Brick Road’ it is clear that LOT have quite a deal to offer in the dark gothic metal stakes.

‘BBB’ is a rather surprising album. It arrives quite unexpectedly for some due to the fact that the band actually called it quits in early 2003. Their demise is possibly one of the shortest band break ups ever. Even before their legion of fans could cry for a reformation, the band decided to make it a painless process. Seems as though boredom set in for the individual members upon retiring and as a result getting back together was the only option. Although I’m no expert LOT fan, it appears to me that ‘BBB’ is the sound of a band at the top of their game – the chemistry is still evident as is their creative spark.

Playing their own distinctive brand of dark melancholic Goth rock, Lake of Tears has a tremendously appealing quality about them. Their music is moody, yet somehow thick with catchy melodies that enable a real accessible nature to shine through. The charismatic vocals of Daniel Brennare have a lot to do with this fact. His appealing guitar lines also play a major part in capturing that gloomy downbeat mood. There is also a real ‘blues’ presence in Daniel’s song writing, particularly in his lead work. Listen to the solo on the awesome title track – It actually reminds me of classic Mark Knopfler (circa ‘Brothers in Arms’). Despite the often melancholic feel that this album undoubtedly exudes, there are moments of almost upbeat ‘happiness’ in the likes of the ‘Sister Sinister, Dystopia and the groovy ‘A Trip With The Moon’.

Perhaps the most surprising element of this album is the use of the Hammond Organ. I love the sound of this instrument (it stems from my love for classic 70’s Deep Purple!) and any band that incorporates it into their sound gets top marks in my book. There is liberal use of the Hammond throughout this entire disc – it not only adds a real traditional 70’s feel to the album, but as a tool for offering a dark melancholic layer in the mix, it’s just about perfect. ‘Black Brick Road’ would be a much poorer album without its presence.

When searching for a point of reference there’s actually not too many bands that LOT reminds me of. As a stance for individualism in metal/rock this can only be a good thing. At a stretch their dark gothic gloom persona recalls Tiamat (circa ‘Slumber’), their blues elements has me earmarking Dave Gilmour/Pink Floyd whilst their more quieter, soothing moments wouldn’t be too far removed from Anathema’s latest efforts.

Why follow the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ folks? ‘Black Brick Road’ is the dark path alternative and stands as a most impressive album. It is certainly a more varied album than I would have expected from the band. It offers a great mix of dark melancholic Goth rock with moments of upbeat catchiness. If that works for you, I suggest you investigate immediately.

note: 8.0/10

Tracklist

01. The Greymem
02. Making Evenings
03. Black Brick Road
04. Dystopia
05. The Organ
06. A Trip with the Moon
07. Sister Sinister
08. Rainy Day Away
09. Crazyman