Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Green Carnation - A Dark Poem, Pt. III: The Messiah Complex (2026)

The day I've written this review was pretty eventful. I've just watched the last one of the 3 non-Skywalker Saga Star Wars films. And now here I am talking about the final part of a trilogy by this Norwegian gothic progressive metal band that has spanned through this year and the last. Green Carnation and German dark rockers Lord of the Lost each had their own trilogy going on, and now it's over. Green Carnation have made their grand conclusion!

A Dark Poem Part III: The Messiah Complex is in fact slightly more complex and adventurous than the other parts. First there was the trauma of Part I, then the depression of Part II, and now the fear covered in this album. Specifically the fear of technology's evolution caused by AI potentially leading to the fall of mankind.

"Unconditional Artificial Chemistry" would especially explore that concept. Spooky keys pave the way for crushing riffing. Kjetil Nordhus still has his vocal power sung over the audible bass by Stein Roger Sordal. The chorus balances the metal heaviness with melancholic orchestration to get implanted into your mind. Next up, the title track starts off slow and steady. The keys by Endre Kirkesola add to the sorrow, and then Jonathan Pérez levels up the drumming, alongside the beautiful bass and guitar.

"Broken Souls, Common Enemies" shows the band unleashing all their heaviness and melody in a fantastic blend. Nordhus continues his strong cleans, even throwing in a bit of growls. I can also hear some flute. And of course, we have the stunning guitar work of Bjorn Harstad and Tchort, the former giving us a wonderous solo to remember. And now comes the ultimate of the Dark Poem saga, a titular "Orchestral Suite" by the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. Nearly 17 minutes of flowing strings and brass, almost like a Vivaldi symphony. The opera choir adds some of that choral aspect. And in the middle is the recital of the poem Ophelia. It's slightly draggy but still highly listenable.

That orchestral suite makes it kind of a cheat to expand what would've been a 3-track EP into a nearly 40-minute album, but I don't mind. The Dark Poem saga ends with an excellent display metallic strength and orchestral grandeur. Sheer poetry!

Favorites: "Unconditional Artificial Chemistry", "Broken Souls, Common Enemies"