CATHEDRAL — The Ethereal Mirror (review)

CATHEDRAL — The Ethereal Mirror album cover

Album · 1993 · Stoner Metal

4.5/5 · 2021-05-28
UMUR

"The Ethereal Mirror" is the 2nd full-length studio album by UK doom metal act Cathedral. The album was released through Earache Records in February 1993. It´s the successor to "Forest of Equilibrium" from 1991 and features two lineup changes since the predecessor as bassist Mark Griffiths and drummer Mike Smail have left the band. The former has not been replaced and the bass on the album is therefore performed by guitarist Garry Jennings. New drummer is Mark Wharton. The remaining part of the lineup are lead vocalist Lee Dorrian and guitarist Adam Lehan.

While "Forest of Equilibrium (1991)" is probably among the most brick heavy and dark doom metal releases out there (even occasinally featuring an extreme metal edge), "The Ethereal Mirror" works a bit like a transition album from their gloomy early days to the more uplifting and also predominantly more upbeat stoner doom of the subsequent releases. "The Ethereal Mirror" features a bit from both worlds. It´s the last Cathedral album to feature two guitarists in the lineup, but the two guitarist lineup make sure they go out with a bang, as there are loads of harmony guitar work featured throughout the album. In addition to that the music features heavy riffs and rhythms, and Lee Dorrian´s raw shouting vocals in front. His vocals are less dark and eerie compared to his performance on the predecessor, but still suitably dark for a doom metal release, and he occasionally still sounds like a mad preacher confined to the asylum.

Because of its transitional nature "The Ethereal Mirror" is a relatively varied doom metal release. Tracks like "Ride" and "Midnight Mountain", and to some degree "Grim Luxuria", are pretty much stoner doom metal tracks (the two former with an upbeat rhythm), while tracks like "Enter the Worms", "Jaded Entity", and "Phantasmogoria" are pretty slow and dark doom metal tracks. "Fountain of Innocence" and "Imprisoned in Flesh" show a psychadelic direction, but no matter what they do on this album, Cathedral succeed, because the tracks are all well written and memorable.

They are also delivered with the right amount of passion and skill, and while Lee Dorrian is proabably a bit of an aquired taste, and he doesn´t always hit the notes 100% clean, he is a great asset to the sound on the album, and provides the music with something unique. It´s definitely one of his best and most varied vocal performances on a Cathedral album. "The Ethereal Mirror" features an organic, powerful, and detailed sound production, which further enhances the listening experience and suits the material perfectly. To my ears it´s a high quality doom metal album and a 4.5 star (90%) rating is deserved.

more than 2 years ago
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Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

This was a big jump sideways after the first album, but I found it just as entertaining. I remember I bought this on the same day I bought Covenant by Morbid Angel. Two amazing purchases in one day!

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Yeah Katatonia is another case of a band with a very diverse sounding discography. I´m mostly a fans of mid-era Katatonia myself.

Tupan wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I love this band, they do have a adventurous, sometimes even experimental edge that appeals to me!

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Cool! Thanks for pointing that out. I've had the same results from Katatonia. Never liked them until you recommended the earliest albums.

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I strongly recommend that you listen to the debut album. It´s quite different from the rest of their discography, and IMO one of the most original sounding doom metal albums out there. Dorian sings pretty different on that one too. Lower register and more deranged. I love that album.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Haven't heard the debut but i do own this one and have heard the next. Sometimes it's the vocals that turn me off. I might be surprised and change my mind after a while. That happens!

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I mostly enjoy the first two albums, but there are some of their later works which I appreciate too. You don´t find the debut interesting? It´s a rather unconventional doom metal album.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I can't seem to get into this band. Not sure why they click with so many others.