“Sub Rosa in Æternum” is a Latin word that means “Under the Rose Forever”. It comprises nine thrilling tracks that embrace the old-fashioned aesthetics with deep vocals and snarls of Johannes Andersson; giving it a dreary feel. The opening intro “The Unrelenting Choir” combines the eerie setting of the guitars and the brooding gothic keyboards with the slow beat of the drums and guitars providing a backdrop to the vocals.

Tribulation conveys a wonderful performance and musical ideas; perhaps the majesty of the new opus brings nostalgia. Reflecting its captivating sound and evolution, the haunting tone of the grim snarls adds splendor to the song “Tainted Skies”. The gloomy guitars wash through the haunting atmosphere and sweep through the moments of the guitar melodies. The vibrant beating of the drums and the deep bass guitar brims with zeal, melodic solos, and the distinctive vocals reminds us of albums like “Down Below” and “Where the Gloom Becomes Sound”.

Another highlight is “Saturn Coming Down” which hooks you up to the fabulous combination of the clean vocals and the grim snarls. The guitars drip with melancholic melodies and intertwine with spacious rocking riffs; the clean vocals are reminiscent of the baroque vocal style of Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell) and Peter Steele (Type O Negative).

Tribulation effectively employs its magical flair for drawing a unique ability to grasp attention. The songs are dynamic, vibrant, and full of fantastic guitar work from Adam Zaars and Joseph Tholl; Tribulation crafts a tidy but dark wave brand of gothic fusions chiming with the solid rock drumming of Oscar Leander.

The riffing easily falls into one’s memories of the band’s groundbreaking album “The Children of the Night” and from the occult poetry of Johannes Andersson to the elegance of the guitar weaving wonderful melodies on “Hungry Waters”. Which is beautifully arranged and very dark in its atmosphere, this applies to the somber melodies of the guitars and the chorus that is followed by the guitar solos.

The rhythm flows gracefully through the electro vibe, as if Tribulation ought to set its sonic path to gothic synth-pop. They have established themselves as the pioneers in this genre by inviting listeners to their aesthetic and appealing mystique. The musical palette recaptures the 80s wave of pop-gothic bands like Depeche Mode and The Sisters of Mercy bringing a freshly twisted mix of brooding occult music.

As a result, the new opus leans towards softer and more elegant gothic rock songs, but Tribulation doesn’t deliver the heaviness they brought on “Where The Gloom Becomes Sound” and the absence of the ghostly snarls is not preserved fully.

The electronic mix of the drums, powerful bass guitar, and keyboard captures the listener’s imagination, the upbeat drums and powerful bass guitar add an extra layer to this song. The music remains consistent because the keyboard embellishment makes it enchanting. However, the forty-minute length makes it a short album compared to previous studio albums.

If I had to pick one vibrant song from the album I’d choose “Drink the Love of God” offers catchy guitar melodies and a deep vocal tone that is electrifying there’s a sense of electro-gothic pop in the song “Murder in Red” has a comic theme of Blood Thirty Creatures resonates with the surge of the guitars, and the keyboard lines are splendid.

“Sub Rosa in Æternum” perfectly fits in the gothic metal canon, the compelling elements of the album resulting in thrilling and effective songs. “Time & Vivid Ore” is a grim spectacle where the snarls take on full force its atmosphere conjures images of otherworldly ghostly landscape, and the guitars create a texture to the melodic section.

“Reaping Song” and the final track “Poison Pages” are both simple and delicate and the hypnotic vocals soar with the keyboards. The organic drums and the powerful guitars bring energy to the chorus, the guitar possesses an eerie charm in the latter song. Tribulation is on an endless swagger and a haunt of evoking timeless gothic-tinted songs; the cold menacing arrangement of the synth provides rich sonic bewitchment and guitars drop one hooky riff after another.

Links