TRACKS:

1.Prolog
2.Et Vintereventyr
3.Natten Loftet Sitt Tunge Ansikt
4.Alvedans
5.Trollbundet
6.Ekko
7.Isgrav, det Siste Hvilested
8.Epilog

This is the Norwegian band Dismal Euphony's first full legnth album, "Soria Moria
Slott". After hearing "Spellbound", one is sure to expect a lot, for they are
familliar with this band's capabilities. The songs which come off "Spellbound" are
"Et Vintereventyr" (A winter's Tale) and "Trollbundet" (Spellbound). They sound 
different, but both versions are excellent. 

"Soria Moria Slott" begins with a small instrumental introduction before going into 
"Et Vintereventyr, one of their most beautiful songs. Next comes the second track, 
which is quite odd and chaotic. Keltziva's voice goes in and out of tune and Ole's grim 
vocals continue. In this song, there is no real melody to follow, and surprisngly, it sounds 
fine. "Alvedans" is next. I am not too fond of this one. It features a flute part which is a 
fine idea, but I did not find it at all effective, it was instead rather annoying. However, after
comes "Trollbundet". Gorgeous song. The effect of the vocals with the synth is entrancing.
This would be one of the two best songs on the album. After "Trollbundet" comes a song
entitled "Ekko". It's nice, very melodious and adds atmosphere and substance.
The longest song on this album is the seventh track, "Isgrav, det Siste Hvilested".
This song possesses a wide variety of moods, from anger to triumph to grave solace. Within 
this song there is an incredible section that features the female vocalist singing a sad,
harmonious melody. The harmonies are quite interesting, they seem almost like the notes
shouldn't belong together, but it is really effective and smooth. Finally, "Soria Moria
Slott" ends with an insrumental "Epilog", which is very majestic sounding.

I had great expectations for this album, and I feel that they were met. "Soria Moria Slott" is a
beautiful and creative album full of atmosphere and it allows the imagination to conjure great 
images. It is definitely one of my favorite albums.

RATING: 


Even with the flute track!