Ashes to Ashes album "Shapes of Spirits" was recorded in Norway the home of Black Metal and judging by their lyrics, they too base their music on the darker, more mysterious side of life.

Despite this, they sound nothing like the Black Metal bands I have heard. With it's gothic overtones and dramatic, expressive keyboard additions, it is much more atmospheric and moody.

The album as a whole, is not the thing to listen to if you want to jump up and down and mosh, despite having some powerful, beefy riffs there is not really any agression.

However, if you are in the mood to get drunk and contemplate life, death and what lies beyond then this could well be your scene.

The track "Gabriel" particuarly grabs my attention, It is a little too long and has a somewhat comical "this is Satan talking....." kind of speech, but is incredibly varied throughout and has both male and female vocals which contrast each other brilliantly.

"Sacriledge" has to be my favorite though. it has an intro so weird it's good, (imagine traditional Indian music mixed with goth!?) and the rest of the song is quite heavy, which I prefer to their slower stuff.

I would say that "Shapes and Spirits" is definately worth a listen (although I wouldn't recommend it if you are in any way depressed).

The nearest I have to it in my collection is "TypeO Negative", whose lyrics also take you beyond the tangible and make you think.

For more info contact; Ashes to Ashes PO Box 2038 N-C505, Oslo, Norway
e-mail: atoa@atoa.net
http://www.atoa.net

Review by Mandy.R