VIA MISTICA

It's no secret that Poland in the metal world is associated exclusively with death metal. VIA MISTICA is here to convince us that the metal music of our western neighbor doesn't live by "death metal" alone. "Testamentum" is gothic metal with a clear emphasis on female vocals, though growling makes occasional appearances as well. If one were to draw analogies among more well-known genre peers, early THEATRE OF TRAGEDY fits best, especially in terms of the vocal approach. The theatrical troupe, however, had more growling vocal parts, and the Polish band's music isn't as cold. Instead, it is more mysterious, imbued with a "nocturnal atmosphere" — enchanting music. Heavy guitar passages give way to melodic organ phrases, and over it all flows the gentle voice of a woman. Truly flows...