|
Virgin Black is a highly controversial band in the Christian realm that they are rooted in. One of the complaints is t he
music itself, another their artistic techniques they have used for their band photographs, and finally the lyrics.
But, thankfully, we are not concerned with this, but it is helpful to us in reviewing their material. How, you say? It
shows that they are not ashamed of being artistic. Now, a lot of bands and people in the music world are called artists, but
they are not artistic.
What makes Virgin Black artistic? First, we have the genre. A blend of Gothic ambiance mixed with the edge of metal lends
itself to being artistic. It allows the musicians to write longer songs, have more instrumentation, and explore the light
and dark sides of our souls.
Secondly, it is the lyrics. They are not teenage rantings against the government, or their previous or potential sexual
encounters. The lyrics found in Elegant...and the Dying are all about exploring their relationship with the Everlasting, to
use their term. It is an foray into the religious experience which is, for them, mystical.
Thus, in their blending of poetic lyrics and poetic music, makes this album to be beautiful and pleasing to an educated
ear. Suburb album, and I rule that this band has to continue crafting tunes, and releasing them to the un-expecting and expecting
listeners.
|
