GHOSTS

The praise for this album is almost universal and hearing words like "atmospheric", "cinematic" and "dark" used to describe this album moved me to pick it up. This is the third studio album from this German band and most feel it's their best yet. I'm not sure what to say because from the first listen this didn't do much for me. And after many listens it still hasn't clicked for whatever reason. The female vocalist is a good singer but her voice doesn't always seem to fit with this style. Maybe this is just me trying to figure out why i'm not enjoying this like I thought I would. I really can't put my finger on one particular thing.

"Crows" opens with the sound of crows as gentle piano takes over with acoustic guitar.The crows are back late. "Dreams" opens with the drums, guitar and piano standing out. I like this. Vocals after 2 1/2 minutes as it settles. I'm not really liking this section. Great sound though around 7 minutes with the violin leading. Flute takes over then guitar. A calm with water sounds ends it. "Sadness" has a definite PINK FLOYD flavour as the vocals join in. It picks up. Some atmosphere before 3 minutes as it settles but it's brief.

"Tempest" sounds so good when the guitar comes in. Vocals later at 4 minutes and they turn more passionate a minute later. Excellent guitar solo 9 minutes in then a haunting atmosphere ends it. "Ringshine" is a nice interlude with acoustic guitar. "Dance No More" kicks in before 2 minutes with some good drumming. Vocals before 3 minutes then a calm after 6 minutes. It's fuller with vocals a minute later. Some nice guitar after 8 minutes. "Mermaid" opens with atmosphere as reserved vocals join in. Some abrasive sounds after 3 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop. It's heavier a minute later as the guitar rips it up. It then settles back after 6 minutes. "Come" ends it with mournful violin then reserved vocals and piano. We do get a heavy section around 5 1/2 minutes.

So a good album to be sure but that's all it is in my books.