Cathedral - The Ethereal Mirror (1993)Release ID: 4933

Cathedral - The Ethereal Mirror (1993) Cover
SilentScream213 SilentScream213 / February 12, 2022 / Comments 0 / 0

Cathedral’s sophomore album is a slight transition from their purely Doomy debut. Never thought I would say this, but the Stoner tinge added here definitely improves the album. The riffs and energy here is awesome, and some tracks, namely the first half, are just great fun. Even so, they retain that Doomy delivery and aesthetic, with interesting lyricism that dances between abstract psychedelic madness and gloomy pessimism. The songs are much more energetic and eclectic, with the rhythm section especially picking up in interest factor.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of the tracks here are much more gloomy, passionate and serious than anything on the debut. A great example of this is “Jaded Eternity” which is pure Paradise Lost in style, monumental riffs and passionate chorus taking it as far as the band can go. The second half of the album in general sticks pretty close to true Doom, though retaining some of the newfound energy the band picked up.

This juxtaposition of energetic grooving and dark gloom work wonderfully on the album, at times kept separate and others intertwined. The vocals can be an acquired taste, but they definitely appeal to me, especially in the places where his roar is tinged with sorrow, a gruff bellow still wonderfully able to hold notes and melodies. Awesome album that offers a great mix of moods and styles.

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Release info

Release Site Rating

Ratings: 3 | Reviews: 1

3.7

Release Clan Rating

Ratings: 3 | Reviews: 1

3.7

Cover Site Rating

Ratings: 5

3.0

Cover Clan Rating

Ratings: 5

3.0
Band
Release
The Ethereal Mirror
Year
1993
Format
Album
Clans
The Fallen
Sub-Genres

Stoner Metal (conventional)

Voted For: 0 | Against: 0

Doom Metal (conventional)

Voted For: 0 | Against: 0