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Too bad I got this album just some days ago. It would have been without a doubt one of the ones included in my Top Ten 2004. Original? Nah, “Illusion´s Play” is nothing really different from their previous albums (also overwhelming efforts), except for the better sound. In spite of that, Shape Of Despair have made it again. Brilliant is one of the adjectives I could dedicate to this Finnish band, one of the darkest and most depressive experiences ever. Right now, listening to the final part of second track “Still-motion”, I can really see the vast ocean of infinite calmness these guys weave with their simple notes. Tranquil, meditative doom that takes you through lands of desolation, grinning with dreamy keys, ultra slow tempos. Never doom metal was so relaxing, immersing the listener under bittersweet, trance-like chords, a sonic reverie of ravishing distress. The female vocals accentuate the floating sentiment present throughout the album; what a beautiful vision of melancholy these guys paint in every release. The most incredible thing is how Shape Of Despair manage to convert monotony in variety, those solid harmonies in strings that tie your feelings and thoughts, that taunt your soul, pushing it to meditation. This band demonstrates such a mastery in the creation of doom ambient, that no one willing to experience these ethereal journeys should overlook their albums. If you enjoyed “Shades of...” or “Angels Of Distress”, this one continues the inspired saga and maintains the quality level. If you disliked their style, stay away from it. I bow my head in reverence to these creators. Shape Of Despair delve with every note into the mind of the listener and nails to his/her emotions in a very peculiar way. And I´m lucky to belong to these collective trapped by their music.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Sleep Mirrored |
| 2. Still-motion |
| 3. Entwined In Misery |
| 4. Curse Life |
| 5. Fragine Emptiness |
| 6. Illusion's Play |
: 61.33
| Buy other Shape Of Despair albums |
