The Diarist (The Diarist - Dark Lunacy)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	The Diarist - Dark Lunacy
Date:	20/06/08 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Atmospheric and ambitious.

Disadvantages: Styles clash at times.

Dark Lunacy's most recent offering is less instantly satisfying than their classic 'Forget Me Not,' but perhaps offers even more in the long run, or to the more discerning listener. With its lyrical focus on Russia during the Second World War, the album creates a moving and exceptional atmosphere, though this time the death metal elements occasionally seem to intrude on this rather than enhance it, especially as the most effective songs are those such as 'Snowdrifts' and 'On Memory's White Sleigh,' which tone down the harshness to feature a greater emphasis on the classical.

The performances here are all exceptional, but the complete absence of violins is disappointing after their prominence in the previous album. It's gratifying to hear the band constantly evolving their sound and not being content to merely repeat a trademark sound each time, but I still hope their next offering is a little more dynamic.

1. Aurora
2. Play Dead
3. Pulkovo Meridian
4. The Diarist
5. Snowdrifts
6. Now Is Forever
7. On Memory's White Sleigh
8. Heart of Leningrad
9. Prospekt
10. Motherland
11. The Farewell Song

Summary: Dark Lunacy's third album (2006).