Customer Reviews

Vain City Chronicles

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The hard rocking goth style of this band had evolved since LETTERS FROM FIRE, the first album. Featuring an amazing voice (Nell) and a dark norwegian romantic songs mix with powerfull guitar riffs are exellent. A record to buy now. NOW!

2005's Vain City Chronicles is the second album from Norwegian darkwave band The Crest. I was unfamiliar with the band - and darkwave in general - when I picked this album up on a whim, but from what I can tell The Crest's sound is like a mellower version of the Lacuna Coil gothic metal style. I also hear a strong Sisters of Mercy influence to these songs.

What stands out the most about Vain City Chronicles is the vocal performance of Nell Sigland. My first impression was that she sounded a lot like Liv Kristine, and come to find out she is the one who took Kristine's place in Theatre of Tragedy. Sigland has a terrific voice, full of power and emotion. I just wish the songs did a better job showcasing her range. They're almost all mid-tempo, somewhat droning songs that never really rock out enough to qualify for the "metal" tag. The album is good, but it gets repetitive way too quickly, even with a knockout vocal performance.

It may not be my thing, but if you're a fan of the more relaxed gothic metal and/or darkwave sounds, particularly bands like (later) Theatre of Tragedy and Leaves Eyes, Vain City Chronicles is well worth checking out. Perhaps now that Theatre of Tragedy has disbanded, the Crest will put together a follow-up album.

Their previous album Letters of Fire was a great album, but this one is good as well. One thing I noticed they changed the music quite a lot. This album has heavier guitars and good bass. Once again Nell beautiful delicate vocals are in it. A good album to listen