VLAD IN TEARS, the Berlin-based Gothic Metal band have released their latest album “Relapse”, a stellar collection of Modern Dark Melodies. It’s their first album since before the Pandemic and it’s loaded with emotions from hope, despair, sadness and everything in between.
I’ve heard the band in small doses over the years since they debuted in 2007, but I can tell you this, “Relapse” is a major step forward for the band comprised of three brothers. Lead singer Kris Vlad has really grown over the years as his voice has touches of Goth and Glam, but mostly passion. He’s surrounded by a very solid band and the production of the whole album sounds very solid.
They follow in the footsteps of the Finnish Gothic Metal bands of the late 90’s and 2000’s. I hear similarities to Charon and H.I.M., but they have put their own twist on the must. There’s I think fans of A.F.I. will appreciate this band as well. But again, these are just comparisons, you should really hear them and make your own assessment.
Their image is one of dark Goth, but musically and lyrically I found tending to look on the bright side. “Live Again”, “Dig Deep”, “Break Away” and “Fight For Another Day” can’t be considered “bleak” by any means. They seem to be interested in helping people up instead of crying about how bad things are. For that I salute them, it would be easy to sing about darkness nowadays, but being a Gothic band that gives a little hope is actually very refreshing.
There’s a bunch of potential singles on the album. I did have to listen to “Live Again” several times before moving on so that’s a good sign. The albums is loaded with solid hooks that lean towards Pop, but they’re still heavy enough for the Metal crowd. In many ways this is an album that should appeal to a very wide variety of music fans.
Overall, a very pleasant surprise. It’s a strong album from start to finish. In fact, I liked the second half even better than the first half. I would say that the last song “Good Enough” is actually much better than the opener “Break Away”. This is why I hate the “single” culture now, we need full albums to fully capture a bands true nature.
So check them out, it’s a great album I’m going to give an 9 out of 10. I think if they work on their branding and visuals a bit more they could be unstoppable.
VLAD IN TEARS lineup
Kris Vlad – vocals
D. Vlad – bass guitar
Lex Vlad – guitar
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