Description
Dominion III is an Austrian industrial black metal act and their second album Life Has Ended Here, that was released in 2002, is a perfect example as to how black metal and electronic can be blended well. There are a lot of metal fans out there, unfortunately, who look down on electronic music (usually with the same there’s no talent in pushing buttons argument) so I guess if you don’t like anything remotely electronic, you won’t like this. For those open minded metal listeners out there – I’d say this is more electronic than industrial – the beats are soft, and although there are cold, harsh elements throughout the album – it’s still very listenable. I’m at a blank as to drawing comparisons – I guess if you took the last few Blut Aus Nord albums, added in ethereal guitar leads and melancholic, haunting synths you’d get this album. I’m tempted to say this is more electronic than metal, but the vocal work done by Tharen ensure it retains that cruel sound that black metal often has. The last track is possibly the most metal on the album. Life Has Ended Here could very well be among the greatest apocalyptic album’s ever created. From their jaw-dropping opening, to their final, cautionary finale, you are taken through a trip of dark, metallic sounds and heavy lyrics. Those who adored their debut album, The Hand and the Sword, will be disappointed about the lack of Elizabeth’s vocals, and the abundance of Tharen’s distorted voice. Production wise – this album is perfect. It sounds clean, which usually isn’t so great in black metal – but with this album it gives it that genuinely apathetic, cold sound. If you had to imagine a capital city in say 100 years (or sooner, considering the current political climate) that had been nuked out of oblivion, so there were only gray buildings left – and a slight breeze – a genuine feeling of remorse, loneliness, and isolation – this would be the soundtrack. The ironic thing is, I got that sense before reading the lyrics – which just reinforces how powerfully moving and effective this music is.
Track listing:
1. A Dead Heart In A Dead World
2. Life Has Ended Here
3. The Priests Of Emptiness
4. Conductors Of Life
5. Unreal
6. Code Red
7. Coming Winter