Band:	Asrai
Album:	Touch In The Dark
Style:	Gothic metal
Release date:	May 2004

01. In Front Of Me
02. Pale Light
03. Whisper
04. Restless
05. Touch In The Dark
06. Tower
07. Dream
08. Child
09. Garden
10. Shadows

Do you remember the times when Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation and After Forever were recording their best albums? It was sadly a few years ago. And even if After Forever is still on the top despite turning off some of their fans with their recent "Invisible Circles", the other two have faded dramatically. As a result, some new talents are brought into the Symphonic Gothic arena and among them, Transmission Records picked countrymen Asrai. Founded in 1988 by musicians coming from diverse background such as punk and new-wave, the band earned an excellent reputation through hard-working touring and thorough promotion.
This album is apparently their second release but I have to admit that their first one has eluded me. "Touch In The Dark" is a lecture of the good old recipe that made the aforementioned bands so popular: powerful yet moving female vocals sung on midpaced tempos where keyboards not only provide atmospheric elements in profusion but also share the leading melodies with the guitars. Let's go at once to the point by saying that "Touch In The Dark" isn't going to rewrite the book. You've heard this type of music before unless you're 12.

Pondering that, the overall package isn't bad at all. Margriet Mol's voice is excellent, she clearly outshines the rest of the band, but once again, it might be due to the average recording. The songs are honest but the result is so easily to compare to Within Temptation that they'll need to put more efforts into composition next time around. However, "Touch In The Dark" features some above the average moments. While the major part of the album sounds pretty mainstream to gothic standards, three songs grasped my attention. Firstly, 'Pale Light' as the catchiest somewhat oriental influenced slow paced yet heavy anthem type of thing. Then, 'Child' as the only track that displays a darker atmosphere, almost malignant and it's in itself probably the best composition on the album. Finally, the closing track 'Shadows' as a strong song on a vocal point of view with Margriet Mol's best performance.

The recording is correct but could have been better, all the instruments appear to be in a midrange zone hence a lack of punch at times. The artwork is fitting the gothic theme 110% with withering flowers all over, white angels sculptures, churches, crosses, black birds and full moons. Maybe the band member pictures with excessive makeup, clothing and accessories are a trifle overdone. The usual visual, nicely done but still. The same remark is applicable to the lyrics, nothing too exciting happening in this department either but correct work.

Not a bad album at all but I have the feeling that the band's potential isn't showing very much. Average with its moments, "Touch In The Dark" is nonetheless a curiosity. If you're craving for Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation sound-alike sensations, get this album blindfolded. If you're looking for something that would challenge your musical perception, keep looking.

Favorite tracks: 'Pale Light', 'Child' and 'Shadows'