CATHEDRAL — The Ethereal Mirror (review)

CATHEDRAL — The Ethereal Mirror album cover Album · 1993 · Stoner Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
arcane-beautiful
After their debut, this was a very gutsy move.

After making a landmark doom album, Cathedral decided to have a bit of a dramatic change, and take that disco doom element found in moments of their earlier material, and kind of put a spotlight on it. And it's pulled off magnificiently, with kick ass riffs and moments that will groove you to the bone. Now some people may think it's a bit of a joke at times, but it really isn't, it just works so well.

This album also seems to have a more Prog influence, with the longer tracks, being slightly shorter than their debut, being more diverse and compacted...and to be honest, kind of suprises you that all this was packed into an 7 to 8 minute song...and you kind of want more after it, but are still feeling fullfilled. The shorter songs on the other hand are more to the point and highly enjoyable.

I would say this is my 2nd favourite Cathedral album...and I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece, but these songs are highly enjoyable and this album is too. The video's from this album are also worth checking out, expecially one in particular.

1. Vioet Vortex - Great intro. Very melodic and kick ass. 9/10

2. Ride - Kick ass song with some great lyrics. Chorus isn't too bad, although I've heard better Cathedral chorus'. 9/10

3. Enter The Worms - I love the chorus. It's such a diverse song with a load of interesting twists and turns. 10/10

4. Midnight Mountain - Please watch the video for this song, it's hilarious, and really highlights the disco doom element. Incredibly cheesy but it's so good. Killer kick ass grooves and riffs. 10/10

5. Fountain Of Innocene - One of Cathedral's most diverse songs. I thought this was going to be the generic Planet Caravan ripp off found on most upbeat doom bands albums, but it really transformed into something else. Full of exicitng twists and turns, and Lee's vocals really are very diverse. The instrumental sections are also amazing. 10/10

6. Grim Luxuria - A bit like a doomy rollercoaster. Very crazy at times with some killer riffs and moments. 9/10

7. Jaded Enitity - Love the intro. A very exciting song. Greatt riffs in the instrumental section. 10/10

8. Ashes You Leave - Great riffs and killer vocals. Not as diverse and exciting though. 8/10

9. Phantasmagoira - Evil intro. Very reminiscent of the 1st album with riffs like a trompling behemoth. 8/10

10. Imprisoned In Flesh = Very beautiful. Lee's vocals really are beautiful and amazing...to be honest, this song shocked me a bit. 10/10

CONCLUSION: My 2nd favourite Cathedral album...and I love Cathedral...and you will too!
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Vim Fuego wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I don't really like track by track reviews, unless it's a compilation, but I have to agree with the assessments and sentiments here.
arcane-beautiful wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Mine's The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, for some reason it never gets enough recognition
arcane-beautiful wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Mine's The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, for some reason it never gets enough recognition
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yep I love this album too. Probably my favorite Cathedral album.

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