Theatre of Tragedy
Limited CD
Synth/Industrial Rock

Here I am reviewing the limited digipack released by AFM Records in 2020, which also includes a booklet.
In 2002, the Norwegian band's changed musical style on their album "Musique" continued with "Assembly". After Gothic metal, the following dark rock, now synth rock with industrial and pop influences. After "Musique" was not well received by critics or fans, the reviews of "Assembly" were more positive. But this album also fell short of expectations. However, I like every style of Theatre of Tragedy and especially the range of Liv Kristine's voice on "Musique" and "Assembly". I already reviewed the band's debut album from 1995. here.

Of course, the band does not only consist of Liv Kristine, but she is the figurehead, particularly with her siren-like voice. The fact that her voice is capable of even more was particularly evident on "Musique" and "Assembly". Her versatile voice in particular contrasts strongly with the industrial, synthetic basis of both albums. The second voice of Raymond István Rohonyi is also beautiful here. Frank Claussen and Vegard K. Thorsen on guitar, Lorentz Aspen on keyboards and Hein Frode Hansen on drums.

I'll go straight to song number 6. A cover of a Kim Wilde cover of a song by The Supremes. I can't do anything with it and I don't even want to know what they were thinking. The highlights are song 11, "Liquid Man". Alongside synth, we also find alternative metal here. Yes, the song is also poppy, it definitely lives from the vocals. Liv's lascivious lure, the ethereal beginning, in contrast to Raymond's vocals, the nuances. If that's pop, I don't mind. Song 1, "Automatic Lover", is another highlight and a strong start. Nothing siren-like, nothing ethereal. Instead, almost coldly erotic, demanding. A cool club song. Song 2, "Universal Race", is almost childlike in its vocals, but also tough in its individual guise. An allegory of intersexual sex, expressed through space travel. Strong. All the songs, except the nonsensical "You keep me hanging on", have their own strengths. “Let you Down” and “Envision” are other good songs. I really like this album.

In 2003, Theatre of Tragedy split up with Liv Kristine. After that, there were two more studio albums with a new singer, which represented a return to form, before Theatre of Tragedy was finally buried in 2011 with the live album “Last Curtain Fall”.

Conclusion: Gothic metal, switch to dark rock, then synth rock. Each of the band's phases has its own meaning and each has produced outstanding albums. I'm more or less alone in my opinion of "Assembly" and "Musique". If you like good singing, synth rock mixed with alternative metal and industrial, then this is the right choice. And everyone else too.

The photos are all from my CD. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.