Tiamat have been around for almost 20 years and are still creating solid albums. On their latest CD Amanethes there is a good mix of gothic, rock and even a little blues. Most of the songs on the CD are in the four to five minute range and are in a slow tempo. The use of this slower tempo gives the majority of the songs a darker feel to them. Even with a darker feel Tiamat is able to write songs that are catchy and have some memorable hooks in it.
Bandleader and lead vocalist Johan Edlund sings in a variety styles giving the songs more depth. This variety makes the whole CD more enjoyable to listen too. On the more up-tempo song "Equinox Of The Gods" he sings in a slightly gravely voice. The vocals in the ballad "Meliae" are soft and smooth with female vocal harmonies adding a nice touch; this song has a Roger Water feel to it. The songs "Will They Come? " and " Via Dolorosa" Johan switches between different vocal styles and this gives the songs more strength. Johan's vocal approach at times reminds me of Chris Rhea or David Bowie especially when he is singing in a clear voice.
The instrumental arrangements in the songs are pretty basic. The songs are mostly constructed in a way to give a melancholic atmosphere to them. The keyboards are used to add effects that help convey an eerie and haunting feel to the overall sound. You will not find any major tempo changes in the songs or any blistering instrumental solos either.
Overall this is solid mature gothic rock CD. I would recommend Amaethes to anyone wanting to investigate gothic rock because it is not as harsh as some goth rock can be. Also there are some nice ballads on the CD that could even get radio play. Tiamat fans will also want to get this CD since it has been five years since Prey.
Track Listing
1. The Temple Of The Crescent Moon
2. Equinox Of The Gods
3. Until The Hellhounds Sleep Again
4. Will They Come?
5. Lucienne
6. Summertime Is Gone
7. Katarraktis Apo Aima
8. Raining Dead Angels
9. Misantropolis
10. Amanitis
11. Meliae
12. Via Dolorosa
13. Circles
14. Amanes
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