Review by Stephen Pedicino
Lacrimosa has always been one of the most interesting bands out there; at least in my perspective. They straddle the border of classical and symphonic metal, as fans generally seem to debate their classification. Tilo Wolff has led his project through quite an evolution to say the least. In the early nineties their sound could described as classical or “opera rock” with occasional metal moments. With Inferno they became heavier, and since then have utilized the lighter and heavier side simultaneously.
Stille, German for silence, is the fifth full-length album from the band. I fell infatuated the first time it struck my ears. Personally, I classify this album as symphonic metal and hold it as one of the finest the genre can offer. It doesn’t pack the punch of Therion’s Theli, but at the time it incorporated more layers of classical instruments into metal than any other album produced.
Three songs on this album clock in at over ten minutes. This was a bold move considering that only acts such as Opeth and Dream Theater were creating songs of that length at the time. “Der erste Tag” does the honor of introducing the listener to this magnum opus. Nearly four minutes of classical instruments accompanied Tilo’s eerily unmistakable voice pass before the metal aspects emerge. A slow way to start the record, but good things come to those who wait. The second half is mostly instrumental with an amazing crescendo near the end.
“Not Every Pain Hurts” is one of two songs on the album titled in English. An even slower song, but nonetheless beautiful. Terrific lyrics dealing with internal conflict and courage fill your eardrums courtesy of Anne Nurmi. “Siehst du mich im Licht?” starts with an almost tribal drum rhythm joined with some cool bass lines. Again Tilo and Anne have a duet. Well-executed as always. This is quite a dramatic song, with a powerful bridge and chorus escorted by a hypnotic arpeggio. Tilo unleashes his exotic screams to the fullest here.
I’ll admit, the first half of “Deine Nahe” always bored me a little. It’s rather simplistic with a chunky rock n’roll riff. But the listener’s patience is rewarded with an absolutely amazing instrumental. A steady piano accelerates into a solo that urges me to get up and dance every single time I hear it. Tilo then takes the spotlight and unleashes a guitar solo that would make Eddie Van Halen jealous. The energy of the solos is a rush.
Lacrimosa then strikes with one of the most uplifting songs I’ve ever heard in my life. That’s saying a lot with regard to all of the “happy” power metal that I’ve listened to in my years. “Stolzes Herz”, meaning proud heart, offers enough spirit to elevate my mood on any given day despite how badly I may have burned my pop-tarts. It has an unforgettable chorus’ from Tilo backed up by a choir. Thinking about it, that’s probably one of the reasons I like this album so much. With all of the other elements aside, it’s simply an uplifting piece of art.
“Make it End’ is a bit of a deviation, emphasizing more rock and metal than classical. It precedes “Die Strasse der Zeit”, the final and most extravagant track off of this monumental album. I can’t even find the words to describe this album. Epic would be the easy way, but it means so much more to me than that. Perhaps I won’t even try……… Imagine all of the best aspects of Lacrimosa rolled into one. An amalgam of Lacrimosa goodness…..There!!
I can’t say enough good things about this release. If you’re into classical music, symphonic rock or metal, gothic metal, or breathing oxygen, you must own this cd!!! It offers rollercoaster of emotions and harmonies that won’t be forgotten.