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This mini album from Sirenia was actually recorded at the same time as their last full-length album "An Elixir For Existence" but as these tracks didn't really fit on the album they are offered separately instead. There is only one real new song from the band found here namely the title track which is a rather typical Sirenia song for those of you who know the band from before. The powerful characteristic guitar sound is immediately recognized and the dual male monster / female siren vocal attack is there as well. The vocals are perhaps a little bit weaker than usual in my opinion but still good enough. The song writing skills of Morten Veland becomes apparent once again as this is musically one of the best songs Sirenia have done so far, a bit more of classic heavy metal riffs this time. Sometimes his past with Tristania shines through and there is almost a "Widow´s Weeds" atmosphere in a few segments of the song.
Then follows a more electronic remix of "Save Me From Myself" which is probably meant primarily for the alternative club scene. I would personally have appreciated a new version even further away from the original one but it is a nice remix. Next comes an acoustic take on "Meridian" from the band's debut album. This is kind of interesting as "Meridian" is one of the heaviest songs Sirenia have recorded so far and the contrast between the two is enormous as you might imagine. Track number four is the only cover of the album. The original of "First We Take Manhattan" was recorded by Leonard Cohen as you may know and to me the most appealing thing about that song is Leonard's voice itself. Unfortunately it was a bad choice for a cover and we would honestly be better off without Sirenia's remake of this classic. The album ends with "Obire Mortem", a short operatic orchestral piece where the French choir steps in once again. They are of course doing a wonderful job as usual but I wish there would have been more to this song than just a simple chorus and in the end it just seems like a forced outro.
I consider myself somewhat of a Sirenia fan, having bought both of their albums so far, but this mini album feels unnecessary and should have been included as a bonus disc instead as it is definitely not worth the money unless you're completely obsessed with Sirenia or gothic metal in general.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Sirenian Shores |
| 2. Save Me From Myself (Remix) |
| 3. Meridian (Acoustic) |
| 4. First We Take Manhattan (Leonard Cohen cover) |
| 5. Obire Mortem |
: 21.31
| Buy other Sirenia albums |
