Ελληνικά
Genre: Gothic Rock
Country: Sweden
Label: Century Media Records
Year: 2023
After earning two Swedish Grammy Awards, in 2022 for their highly acclaimed studio effort ‘Where the Gloom Becomes Sound’ which hit #12 in German Album charts, Tribulation are ready to become the new Ghost in town…Probably I’m looking way too forward but after hearing several times this stellar 4song EP, this is my conclusion and the bittersweet taste it left me. But let’s take first things first. ‘Hamartia’ was recorded with Robert Phersson, mixed by Tom Dalgety (who previously mixed ‘Where the Gloom Becomes Sound’), mastered by Magnus Lindberg and comes with artwork by Tribulation’s guitarist Adam Zaars. ‘Hamartia’. This is are the first recordings with new guitarist Joseph Tholl, as longtime guitarist and songwriter Jonathan Hultén left the band in order to focus on his own solo projects. The EP features 3 new compositions and a cover version of Blue Öyster Cult’s ‘Vengeance (The Pact)’. Joseph Tholl is well known for his work with Heavy/Speed metal act, Enforcer as well as with Speed Thrashers, Corrupt. The 3 new songs (‘Hamartia’, ‘Axis Mundi’ and ‘Hemoclysm’) are well crafted and have a 70’s aura blended with occult aesthetic, harsh vocals and a Sisters of Mercy influence enriched with brilliant solos and outstanding gloomy yet melodic parts. I can see why their fans can hear so easily from Grave Pleasures or Devil Master to Tryptikon, but it’s the cover on Blue Öyster Cult’s that despite the fact that it is devoted to the original still the Tribulation’s unique touch makes it a hybrid of dark goth meets classic rock and characterizes this release. In other words ‘Vengeance (The Pact)’ sounds classy and also commercially friendly, ready to get some radio air and look Ghost into the eyes, probably in a tour together!!!
