Umm... Symphonic "dance" metal?

Honestly, i appreciate that they try to make new things. While it really did surprise me, but it could've been WAY better in many ways. If the mixing was better than this, i'd have enjoyed this album a little bit more, though there's nothing symphonic about this one anymore, just electronics and guitars and drums.

I really like it, it is a modern evolution of Sirenia. The mix could definitely be better, but whole album was mixed and mastered by Mr. Veland himself because of covid crisis, the choirs were cut of as well because recordings in Marseille were cancelled. And I like electronic music, so this album is not a problem for me

I get mixing was bad due to covid but that's no reason to throw in an extreme amount of electronic sounds - makes it sound similar to Amaranthe at times.

Written by Dragoth on 12.02.2021 at 10:09

I really like it, it is a modern evolution of Sirenia. The mix could definitely be better, but whole album was mixed and mastered by Mr. Veland himself because of covid crisis, the choirs were cut of as well because recordings in Marseille were cancelled. And I like electronic music, so this album is not a problem for me

I honestly don't really mind the electronic elements since i've already heard a lot of bands going with this direction, but it just feels a little bit too much for Sirenia. And i get about the whole Covid thing that might have affected their recording, but it's still no excuse, because even other less-known bands that are also affected by this still can do the mixing better than this.

Written by HyperDrifter on 12.02.2021 at 12:23

I get mixing was bad due to covid but that's no reason to throw in an extreme amount of electronic sounds - makes it sound similar to Amaranthe at times.

Even some other less-known bands that are also affected by the pandemic can do the mixing better than this one, so i don't really see that as an excuse. I don't mind the electronic, but it really feels too much for Sirenia.

I must confess that I got really nervous about this band speedily going down the hill for overusing tons of electronic elements to sound nothing like it used to, just like happened to Within Temptation from Resist on. Even though this sounds pretty much off from what Sirenia has been offering on its entire discography, there's no way I find this to be bad. It's just different, but this kind of sounds pleases me a lot, it's like older Xandria meeting Neurotech. The mixing isn't great, but I don't think it's this blatant disaster people are saying, either. Only few remnants from their symphonic roots (just like Neurotech does), really. Well, overall saying, I found it very worth the changes. Very good album.

When you think you waisted 50mikes from your life, then its not my music, but I give credit to song writing and composition, professional mix album. Its for adults, not young energy full people, metal as metal, but I never will listen this.

How is this "Symphonic gothic"? This sounds more symphonic/electronic metal at best.

Labels aside, its definitely a different album and does have some nice melodies, a nice vocal performance, and the music is alright but can be inconsistent throughout the entire album with each passing song. I usually don't like when metal bands add more electronic sounds to have an atmospheric sound, but this is a decent album, not bad.

With each release Sirenia goes farther and farther away from its original style... Oh, how I miss the "In a Manica" era... those were the days. It's sad to note that the best song on the album is the cover of Desireless's "Voyage Voyage", that sound awesome on Emmanuelle Zoldan's voice!

Average pop dance metal

Written by Dragoth on 12.02.2021 at 10:09

I really like it, it is a modern evolution of Sirenia. The mix could definitely be better, but whole album was mixed and mastered by Mr. Veland himself because of covid crisis, the choirs were cut of as well because recordings in Marseille were cancelled. And I like electronic music, so this album is not a problem for me

I missed the choirs on this album. But honestly Emma's voice is amazing and there are really good songs like Passing Seasons. I liked this album

The first listening of the album didn't bring much to me, it felt like some parts are way too focused on electronics, but after a few spins I think it all fell into its place. Taking into consideration the circumstances and that Veland wanted to bring something new to the sound, I can say overall this is a fairly good release - not the best, but I think we all know the days of At Sixes And Sevens are long gone. And I don't even expect Sirenia to sound like that anymore.

For me Enigma Of Life was their lowest point and I really though Sirenia would become just one of those generic bands, but they haven't. Yes, this is something different, but still there are many typical sirenian features incorporated into sound, you can't miss those typically Veland-ish guitars. The album depicts quite a nice atmosphere, vocal work is extremely good, the chants are nicely placed and the album still has that grandiose feeling, I'm used to in Sirenia's sound. Favoruite track would definitely be Downwards Spiral.

Oh, was about to check out the album. the comments don't leave me with many expectations. but maybe that's a good thing. lower expectations might make me enjoy the music. let's see

It is a pity to release an album with uncompleted or destroyed production. Even a newbie can understand that something has gone really bad with the guitars. So why release it like this? Probably a contract clause... Morten is a great guitar player and I think guitars is a main composition element in Sirenia's music.

Anyway, if I try to skip the production problem I find some good moments in this: Towards An Early Grave, Into Infinity, Beneath The Midnight Sun and December Snow. I was actually happy with the electronic elements. Not happy with the guitar solo style, it is not something that I wait for Sirenia to listen to, it is irrelevant. On the other hand, chores are something that I wait to listen from Sirenia and their absence here is something bad. Definitely is not as good as the early releases I miss so much, but it is still better than the potatoes that Tristania are releasing for years now. I consider Morten as a pioneer in the gothic-symphonic scene and I will always compare Sirenia and Tristania...

Not a bad album. Not a brilliant one, either. Despite there are some good tracks in it (December Snow, Passing Seasons, We Come To Ruins, Downwards Spiral...), the rest of the album is just "Ok". It is clear that Morten is trying to incorporate new elements into his compositions but, at the same time, he brings nothing new/remarkable to the genre with "Riddles, Ruins & Revelations". The operatic style of Emma's voice is still incredibly underused (She has much more potential!) and I really missed the iconic Sirenian Choir. Don't get me wrong, I like this album and I play it on repeat in my car. However, I hope Sirenia will explore other ways in their next release...

Just not very interesting. The last couple albums weren't great, either, but they at least each had a couple of brilliant tracks. Nothing here really stands out.

This should be called Within Temptation Metal genre.

Really really boring album. Other than the cover of voyage voyage, nothing really stood out.