This Finnish outfit turned some heads with their 2002 release Binding of the Spirit. Mixing a heavy dose of synth-laced melodic black and gothic metal, Throes of Dawn seemed to be the underground band to watch. In 2005, Quicksilver Cloud arrived, and though the black metal aspects were still present, a thicker, gothic atmosphere drenched the album. In 2010, we find the band embedded further in the dark/gothic elements of their music and completely abandoning their black metal roots. To those looking for the more extreme side of Throes of Dawn, this is the final nail in the coffin. However, fans of thick dark gothic metal in the vein of Katatonia, Agalloch, Autumnblaze, Paradise Lost, and even Fields of Nephilim, this is going to be something to check into.
Truthfully, the bands sound hasn’t changed all that much. What we have here is an extension of Quicksilver Clouds‘ gothic moments. If you enjoyed that album, this is basically the same deal without the black metal rasps. I also can’t help but compare a lot of this to Rapture‘s more gothic moments on The Silent Stage.
Most of the songs are simple and to the point. The first track “Entropy,” takes around two minutes before anything really happens. Most of the song is a synth build up with a slight bluesy guitar line. Once the songs gets going it never really leaves its mild, downtrodden pace, and this continues throughout the album. One should enter this album prepared for depressing, slow driven music.
What stands out are the vocals considering the music itself is kind of underwhelming. Henri Koivula delivers most of the melodies that sink into your head and make the bands music worthwhile. Very somber, his delivery catches on over a few listens. “Ignition of the Grey Sky” and “Soft Whispers of the Chemical Sun” have very hypnotic vocal lines. Though most of the extreme vocal delivery is gone, some death vocals can be heard on occasion, sprinkled throughout the CD (“The Great Fleet of Echoes,” “We Have Ways to Hurt You.”)
The Great Fleet of Echoes is mildly symphonic yet slumbering dark goth metal. It doesn’t instantly jump out and grab you, so if you’re into music that needs to seep instead of bang you over the head, then Throes of Dawn‘s fifth album might be worth a perusal or two.
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whatever happened to Rapture anyways?
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 11:04Rapture broke up a few years ago. Called it quits after The Silent Stage
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 11:55You sure about that, Stiffy? Metal archives has them listed as active and it looks like they’re still doing shows.
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 13:07Well, no. I guess I’m not sure. LOL! I remember years ago (when this site was still Digital Metal) reading that they were done. But I can’t confirm it. I know they don’t have a label. Thats about all I can find. Haven’t visited the myspace though. I’d love more Rapture.
on Mar 29th, 2010 at 13:21Listened to this once so far and thought it was quite good. And yeah, Rapture was (is?) awesome!
on Apr 3rd, 2010 at 07:51