TEARS LAID IN EARTH

Certainly a discovery to be treasured from Norway's fertile landscape of experimental musical exploration, The Third And The Mortal followed up a debut EP with this full- length studio recording in the form of Tears Laid In Earth, which sees the group functioning in atmospheric progressive rock with occasional metal trimmings, exotically adorned in Norwegian folk traditions and dreamscape overflow. If one would request a comparison, perhaps this music can best be described as a combination of Dead Can Dance's new-age ambience, Pink Floyd's progressive approach to construction and traditional Scandinavian metal touches. This music flows along in wondrous motion, with a strong emphasis on mood enhancement through ambient elements and a masterful implementation of rise-and-fall dynamics. The work in its entirety washes over the listener in waves of emotional highs and lows while sustaining a tremendous level of consistency through its lengthy running time in regards to sonic bliss, captivating song construction and spirit-stirring movements.

It is the voice of Kari Rueslatten that really pulls the listener into this music and allows one to drift away in sweeping motions of sound. Her's is a voice/singing style that is rich with beauty and passion, soaring and gliding over vast soundscapes, and providing this already magical music with a deeper emotional component. From the opening a-capella track "Vandring", Kari's wonderful singing captivates the listener. When she sings in her native Norwegian, she adds an exotic flair to the music further deepening the dream- like wonderment of this work. As spectacular as the singing is, it does not overshadow the talent and musical vision of the instrumentalists, who each provide the sound with a unique element contributing to each musical phase. The instrumental tracks, and the lengthy instrumental sections within the other songs, are equally as compelling as Kari's singing. More often, the music operates in tranquil ambience portraying a longing essence and affection towards the nature of human emotion in poetic movement, shifting to and from metallic passages and rock-based progressive exercises. There are moments on this disc where the music reaches an otherworldly degree of expression that leaves the listener enveloped in its presence.

"I went to the Moon When she was shining as bright as I have ever seen her May I borrow some of The Light that you possess"

It is a work such as this that possesses the capacity to astound a music listener. It is music that fully embraces and explores the limitless expression and possibilities within an art form. At no time during this disc does the music fall into a system of formula or become crippled by meaningless movements. The band probes the endless realms of artistic potential through a powerful, beautiful display of musical vision and imagination. The material here is wonderfully composed and reaches the elusive plateau of timelessness simply for its sheer ingenuity and sincerity. Each aspect of this work, from the lyrics to the booklet imagery to the individual components of sound towards the greater whole of the presentation, is of a high level of maturity and depth. This is deeply moving music for those who seek a journey of a spiritual/emotional/mental form within the presentation of music. Its quietly contemplative moments are plentiful, which sets the listener at a comforting ease of awareness, while the rises in intensity and transitions into more involved passages alerts one to the reflection of life's urgent transience. The atmospheric guitar work is of a picturesque quality, conjuring images of flowing streams, forests and seashores on clear Autumn mornings. A terrific experience.

Tears Laid In Earth is a sensational work of music that is abundant with mystery, passion, beauty and depth. For those who appreciate music that is adventurous and far-reaching, this is a disc that simply must be heard. Though The Third And The Mortal have gradually moved away from this exact style, they are an outfit who collectively have a gift for writing and delivering music of imagination and substance. There is much to be discovered within this evocative music, inspiring return visits to the album during those moments of soul-searching and desire for musical stimulation. This particular effort remains to my mind as their most fascinating and it is highly recommended for any who have been interested in hearing their work.