Bandname: IlluminateTitle: Zwei Seelen
Genre: Gothic
Releasedate: 29th September 2006
Record Company / Label: Gallery Records
Distribution: Nuclear Blast
Introduction
"Illuminate" was formed 13 years ago and is a known German gothic band noted for dark/morbid poetic ballads. The upcoming release will be the 10th studio album and is announced as the most hard and mellow release of the band ever. It contains nine songs recorded in classical metal manning with real drums. For a part of the songs, Illuminate was supported by two guest singers: Carmen and Sylvia.
Line Up
Johannes Berthold - vocal, keyboard, bass, programming
Jörn Langenfeld - guitar
Matthias Kurth - drums
Carmen & Sylvia - additional vocals
Song Review
1. Geist aus der Vergangenheit - 5:58
This song is a powerful orchestral hymn, started by a musical box intro and perfected by an additional female descant like an opera singer.
2. Wer lieben will… - 3:17
Distinctive "Illuminate" - melodic vocals meet heavy guitar riffs. The guitars dominate this song.
3. Tote Gärten - 3:21
Knocking on a door and piano sounds open this song, followed by morbid vocals and organ music.
4. Es brennt die Welt - 3:59
This melodic ballad with rising tempo is started by a piano intro. The drums dominate this song.
5. Bevor Du gehst - 4:18
Lovely female vocals accompanied by beautiful piano sounds mark this sing. It’s just a goody in the middle of the album, outstanding with the female singing.
6. Man sagt... - 4:05
The album goes on a little bit harder - for this song the heavy guitar riffs come back and the male voice of Johannes comes back too. The guitars boost and dominate the song.
7. Kein Hauch von Leben - 4:25
Powerful guitar lines and boosting morbid vocals are marking another morbid ballad with the typical metal sound.
8. Siehst Du mich in Dir?
The music winds down, the drums dominate the song. Just like at the opener, the singing of Johannes is highlighted by an additional female descant.
9. Zwei Seelen - 6:10
Last but not least the longest track which is also the title track of the album. It's a typical "Illuminate" ballad, even-tempered, starting with peal of bells and finished just like the first song begun: with a musical box outro.
Technical Information
Total Playing Time: 41:10
Total Tracks: 9
Cover Picture
Conclusion
Altogether, this album is a nice compilation of morbid poetic ballads - a mellow opus, the consistent enhancement of the characteristic sound of "Illuminate". The additional female singers set a course and supplement the melodic voice of the singer very well. My favourites are "Geist aus der Vergangenheit", "Bevor Du gehst" and "Siehst Du mich in Dir?".
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Total: 8
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