This Vale Of Tears – Analecta / Demos & Promos (Album – Je M’En Fish)
Genre/Influences: Dark-Wave, Gothic.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Belgian formation This Vale Of Tears was mainly active during the 90s. Brussels (Belgium) based label Je M’En Fish brings the band alive with a fine selection of remastered early demos and promos. Sixteen songs have been featured. Notice by the way Je M’En Fish last year already re-released the self-titled debut work of this band on vinyl.
Content: We first get 6 demo songs from the self-entitled cassette released in 1994 revealing the pure, dark-Wave, style of the band. The sound is evoking famous bands like Siouxsie & The Banshees and The Sisters Of Mercy. We next get 6 more songs from the demo “Where The Sun Now Stands” (1995) which moves in a similar way although the influences are more diversified and even becoming Industrial-like. Last but not least there are 4 promo tracks (2000) revealing a sound in evolution.
+ + + : It’s cool to get back to the early days of TVOT which clearly had a true potential; great dark-Wave music mixing powerful tracks but also more melancholic, slow, pieces. The guitar playing has something magic evoking the 80s spirit. “Frozen Zone” and “Down & Under” both remain great pieces of music which you’ll rediscover. I also have to mention the more Industrial-driven “Happy Birthday” and the powerful “Flame” featuring passionate vocals.
– – – : We can only but regret This Vale Of Tears didn’t become more famous and no longer releases new material.
Conclusion: Great Dark-Wave music made in Belgium; this album getting back to the origins of the band.
Best songs: “Down & Under”, “Frozen Zone”, “Happy Birthday”, “Flame”, “The Liar”.
Rate: 7½.
Artist: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063716311259
Label: www.facebook.com/JemenfishBE
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