Virgin Black is one of those rare bands that not only attempt their own path in music, but succeed in producing something quite special. Sombre Romantic, their 2001 debut full-length following an EP entitled Trance two years prior, is a masterpiece, an emotive, expressive gothic doom album that relies not on bludgeoning riffs but subtle effects such as quiet piano interludes and the occasional Gregorian-styled vocal chant in order to convey melancholic and often haunting moods. At times the album feels more like a movie soundtrack than a simple collection of songs, with the band drifting from subdued vocal/guitar duets to aggressive riffing to quiet, moodier sections. This is one of the best albums to emerge in the past several years, and their recent Elegant ... But Dying release has proven to be a worthy followup. This is an outstanding and original band.