Not unlike previous Tristania releases, special attention should be paid to the well thought out and sophisticated vocal harmonies between the male and female counterparts, impersonated by Demurtas and Kjetil Nordhus (Head Disco, ex- Green Carnation, ex-Trail of Tears). The experience is centered around Mariangela Demurtas, whose unique voice majestically conquers both moving ballads ("Exile" and engrossing metal tracks ("Patriot Games". The Norwegian GothicMetal legends have re-invented themselves without betraying their roots.’Rubicon’ is a stunning and sparkling album! Tristania have literally crossed the ‘Rubicon’ into brilliant new musical territory. “Rubicon” consolidates an array of grand arrangements, sombre moods, and elaborate harmonies blended with upbeat ear-candy and outstanding vocal performances. With "Rubicon", a mature and confident band proves that it is indeed possible to sustain a highly creative standard for over 13 years.įar removed from the mediocrity of the genre, these Norwegian gothic metal pioneers remain true to their art form, while embracing both progress and variety. Østen Bergøy was replaced by Kjetil Nordhus] so the former could focus on parenthood and founding member and drummer Kenneth Olsson was replaced by Tarald Lie, because of a knee injury of several years.Twelve years after their acclaimed debut and three years following their previous release, Norwegian gothic metal pioneers Tristania are back with their long awaited sixth studio album. Just before the release of Rubicon (august 2010) it was announced that the bands line-up had more changes. Second guitarist Gyri Sm?rdal Losnegaard joined the band in late 2009. On February 22 2009, Rune Østerhus left the band and Ole Vistnes is the new bassist. In May 2008, Svein Terje Solvang left the band. Before joining Tristania, she has performed with Reel Fiction and Alight. On October 19, 2007, Italian singer Mariangela Demurtas (Mary) was announced as the new female singer. Just one month after the release, Vibeke announced her departure due to "personal reasons". Their latest album, Illumination, was released on January 30, 2007. His addition to the band as a permanent member in May 2005 marked the first time Tristania has had a two-guitarist team since Beyond the Veil. The Ashes Tour in Europe (minus Einar Moen, who remained at home to work on more material for the band, but is still an active member) brought about another change for the band, the addition of a second guitarist ? Svein Terje Solvang ? who previously played with the band for touring purposes. The band took another step away from the sound of their debut albums and more into an experimental avant-garde style that sounds uniquely refreshing. Of the three male vocalists from the previous album, only Østen Bergøy joined permanently, and is now accompanied by Kjetil Ingebrethsen doing the honors on growling vocals. Despite the new lineup and a slightly changed style that turned off some fans, the album received critical acclaim.Īshes was released in 2005 with another change in members. With the release of the World of Glass album in 2001, Veland's growls were replaced by guest vocalist Ronny Thorsen from Trail of Tears, and clean male vocals were provided by veteran guests Østen Bergøy and Jan Barkverd. Morten Veland left in 2000 for "musical and social differences" to form the band Sirenia.
The atmosphere is also achieved by quite unique sounding guitar effects. The leading voice on many of their songs was the menacing harsh vocals of Morten Veland. Tristania's earlier albums Widow's Weeds and Beyond the Veil put a lot of focus around classical like female vocals, haunting choruses and classical instruments such as pipe organ, flutes and violins. However, they pride themselves on their musical diversity, as evidenced by the evolution of their music over the course of their five studio albums. The band's music is usually classified as gothic metal, due to its strong ties with the genre's history in addition to the band's use of styles and traits stereotypical of the genre. Soon thereafter, the band's original lineup was fleshed out further with the addition of guitarist Anders Hidle, bassist Rune Østerhus (who was recently replaced by Ole Vistnes), and vocalist Vibeke Stene (who has been replaced by Mariangela Demurtas). Tristania is a gothic metal band from Stavanger, Norway, formed in the end of 1996 by Morten Veland (male vocals/guitars), Einar Moen (keyboards), and Kenneth Olsson (drums).