Grant me one question at the beginning. Why does this band have no deal yet? I know, this is a rather strange introduction,, but if you listen to "Shapes Of Spirits", then you have to come to the conclusion that this, I just call it that now, Gothic Metal is far better than the majority of the releases that currently are on the market!

But let's start at the beginning. After an atmospheric intro, "Gabriel" offers some doomy, not too heavy, yet very atmospheric Gothic Metal, which also uses female vocals and a cello. That they are not the usual sorrowful bunch is clearly shown by the following "Castle In The Air", where they go along a good tad heavier and faster, but without getting speedy (have to tell you that, too). Borne by the very good vocals of Kenneth Brastad, ASHES TO ASHES add a calm passage with acoustic guitars in the middle and you know that it belongs there, just there and nowhere else, before taking up the crunch of before again.

"The Mourning" excels in its calm beginning with piano, keyboard and deep vocals before changing into a doomy rhythm, which continues the atmosphere of the piece. I should also mention "Dying Room" as a feature-song, another very fine example for the sound and excellence of ASHES TO ASHES.

Oh yes, the narration on "Sacrilege" has been done by former DIMMU BORGIR Astennu, while Shagrath assisted with the cover-artwork, this just as additional info. So no matter, if you're a fan, a magazine or a label and could imagine liking the above-mentioned style, then you'll have to have this well-produced CD, which has deserved to be in every HM-collection!