DOMMIN „ “Love is Gone” ”

Music: Goth Metal/Heavy Rock
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: www.myspace.com/dommin
Cool songs: My Heart, Your Hands, Dark Holiday. Love is Gone

Crooner of lovelorn tales, Kristofer Dommin has spent the whole of this decade carefully choosing each member and compiling a list of songs to complete his Roadrunner Records debut “Love is Gone.” Said album emanates tear-stained vocal dramatics and the type of gloomy goth-based electronics suitable for a soundtrack such as “The Lost Boys.” Each of the fourteen tracks feature Kristofer Dommin’s painful reflections on the ugly transcendental state of love.

The group’s portrayal on the album’s cover may instigate notions of wimpy emo. However, their sound relates more with the metal side of goth, and includes a much cleaner and thicker production than classic goth rock groups. Granted, the group doesn’t dive into the depressive seas explored by MY DYING BRIDE or strike the heavy chords of TYPE O NEGATIVE. However, Kristopher Dommin understands well the value of a mighty hook, and has the vocal tools necessary for gripping the listener.

Dommin’s voice definitely provides the driving force behind his music. During the softer moments, Dommin exhibits the barrel-chested vocal crooning of Glen Danzig. However, when the action picks up, Dommin tunes his pipes to a Keith Caputo-like (LIFE OF AGONY) range. The album opener “My Heart, Your Hands,” and his vocal rhythm on the title track are the best examples of the “Caputo factor.”

“Love is Gone” doesn’t have as many instrumental highlights, although there are a few memorable passages. The piano on “Dark Holiday” reveals Dommin’s diverse musical influences, conjuring images of dancing skeletons, while the heavier parts resemble DANZIG’s “Kiss the Skull.” Vivid, ethereal keyboards wrap the title track in fog of sorrow. Soundtrack scores comprise one of Dommin’s many musical influences, which show on the ambient instrumentals “Evenfall Hollow” and “Within Reach.” Dommin’s harder side comes through on “One Feeling” and “Without End.” Here the band places more emphasis on heavy guitars.

DOMMIN relies on strong vocals, thick atmosphere, and swelling dynamics. Those looking for the heavier side of down tempo won’t find it here. DOMMIN could benefit from beefing up their guitar and adding more solos to divide each track, rather than focusing almost entirely on vocal hooks. Nothing about their music needs subtracted, though, just a few add-ons. Conversely, the passion exuded on “Love is Gone” is undeniable.

www.myspace.com/dommin

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

My Heart, Your Hands
New
Evenfall Hollow
Tonight
Love Is Gone
Dark Holiday
Without End
Within Reach
Closure
Making The Most
One Feeling
I Still Lost
One Eye Open
Honestly

Line-up

Guitar/Vocals: Kristofer Dommin
Keyboards: Konstantine
Bass: Billy James
Drums: Cameron Morris.