TEARS OF MANKIND „Without Ray Of Hope”

Music: Melodic Gothic/Doom
Website: http://www.realmusic.ru/tears
Country: Russia


Cool songs: Deep Inside the Silence, Theme of Laura, The River, Through the Storm, Sweet Harmony

TEARS OF MANKIND is a one man project of Philipp Skobelin vel Phil, the vocalist of Russian N.O.S.P.A.. He started his solo adventure in 2002 and recorded ten demo albums during this short period of time. ‘Without Ray Of Hope’ is a compilation of material, chosen from some of those, but forgive me that I will not mention them. This album actually is the first full length one and from the sound of it, it can be stated, that Phil is doing quite well.

This dooming-gothic-like production is a proposition for demanding fans of heavy and depressing play. Probably it is hard to find some of those, but if there are such, this album will definitely fit their tastes. The sound of this album can be compared to buzzing of a high voltage wire installation combined with some calmer and even more depressing elements. The beginning is weak, but from being a complete catastrophe prevent the guitar solos and fills, which sound really good and bring some fresh air to that bone yard. The melodic parts appearing in and from ‘Theme of Laura’ (which actually is a cover of Akira Yamaoka, the composer of music to ‘Silent Hill 2’), change the atmosphere immediately, and free the album from that boring crap from the beginning. Those melodies save the album and make the listener to feel thirst for more, they are like a drop of water, when you are on the desert. ‘The River’ is very good, the folk beginning and fills simply changes the style and really satisfies the listener, who wants to hear something new. This song is a real ray of hope, followed by ‘Through the Storm’ which also pulls this album out of the swamp and makes it even more demanding. Finally, ‘Sweet Harmony’ is a gem in the Russian crown.

This production is a real pain in the neck. Some will say, that it is a masterpiece, some will say something completely different. But I think, that this album is an interesting alternative, not only for those, who like depressing music, an experiment with ideas, concepts and mental barriers. The beginning is weak, but when you listen to the rest, you will hear a nice festival of sounds and ideas. Worth.

note: 8/10

Tracklist

1. Without Hope
2. Eternal Sadness
3. Deep Inside the Silence
4. Theme of Laura
5. Emotion Oblivion
6. From Dark to Light
7. The River
8. Never
9. Through the Storm
10. The Winter Dance
11. Sweet Harmony

Total playing time 73:23

Line-up

Philipp 'Phil' Skobelin – all instruments, drum programming and vocals
Live Sessions Musicians (from N.O.S.P.A.):
Berkut – guitar
Dima – bass
Aleksandr “Hanneman” Davidov – lead guitar
Valera – drum samples