01	Adorned In Ashes						06:18
	02	Velvet Tongue						08:25
	03	And The Kiss Of God's Mouth						01:26
	04	Kiss Of God's Mouth II						06:19
	05	Renaissance						07:02
	06	The Everlasting						19:56
	07	Cult Of Crucifixion						09:03
	08	Beloved						07:29
	09	Our Wings Are Burning						08:26

The End Records - Massacre Records - Art Music Group


VIRGIN BLACK "Elegant...And Dying"

1. Adorned In Ashes (6.18)
2. Velvet Tongue (8.03)
3. And The Kiss Of God's Mouth (7.48)
4. Renaissance (7.02)
5. The Everlasting (17.13)
6. Cult Of Crucifixion (9.03)
7. Beloved (7.27)
8. Our Wings Are Burning (8.26)

All songs written by VIRGIN BLACK
Produced by Rowan London
Engineered and mixed by Camren Harm

Rowan London - Vocals, Piano and Keyboards
Samantha Escarbe - Lead Guitar, Cello
Dino Cielo - Drums
Craig Edis - Guitars, Vocals
Ian Miller - Bass, Vocals

Flute by Sonia Wilkie


Стиль: EPIC/GOTHIC METAL
Страна: АВСТРАЛИЯ

"Австралийский квинтет впервые заявил о себе в 2001 г, когда вышел их дебютный альбом "Sombre Romantic". В эпическом готик металле, исполняемом группой, органично совмещены романтическое настроение с депрессией, элементы doom-металла с оперными приемами. Эту музыку можно сравнить с черным шелком - она обволакивает, завораживает, прикосновения к ней приятны, но она черна, как бесконечная бездна грусти и отчаяния. Благодаря своему уникальному звучанию, новый опус команды уже оценили ведущие музыкальные издания (ORKUS - 10 из 10, ROCK HARD 8,5 из 10). Надеемся также, что этот альбом оценят все российские поклонники готики, черной магии и черного шелка! Мастеринг альбома - Andy Horn (Rob Rock, Cage, Lanfear)"
c 2003 ART MUSIC GROUP / MASSACRE



Virgin Black - Elegant And Dying (9/10) - Australia - 2003
Genre: Gothic Metal
Label: The End
Playing time: 74:27
Band-Homepage: Virgin Black


Well, this is something a bit elegant. And who is surprised? It's from our friends at The End Records, a label known to push the envelope with beautifully crafted music from bands that are known to think about what they put out for the public. A soundtrack of sorts, an album that I like to sleep to, something soothing to the soul and quite epic in the same right - not your standard Metal album.
My main drawback is the use of horrid male Goth vocal lines that are not needed. I think spoken parts would have suited the album much nicer. It's dark like loneliness and long like sorrow. It's macabre as the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" on slow motion, but as beautiful as white birds flying across a black sky... (Online July 24, 2003)





The debut release by this Australian band created waves of attention due to their unique sound of operatic, symphonic metal. The new album, "Elegant...and dying" is even more unconventional and one of the most artistic releases to come out this year for the genre. The romantic and extemely emotional arrangements are further enchanced by Rowan London's unique mournful yet poetic singing style. The songs are presented with numerous angles and at times coming out as soundtrack scores, at others as classical compositions or even as subtle weeping lullabies that make the music as dynamic as it is dark and passionate! Unlike any other outfit out there, Virgin Black continue their unique trademarked sound and once again manage to dazzle by giving as a 75 minute album that is rich, compelling and draws the listener into the darkest of maddened depths!


SAMANTHA:
(Lead Guitar)
A token female she is not. Samantha embodies style and substance. From the elegant and passionate presence emanated on stage, to her lyrical eloquence and exquisitely thoughtful and powerfully emotional compositions, she is the genuine article. Samantha's character epitomizes Virgin Black. Just as the music can be ruthless and harsh or subtle, endearing and warm, Samantha seeks integrity in people and treats them accordingly. She is emotionally sensitive and holds the rare talent of being able to play what she feels, thus her guitar weeps in agony or soars victoriously as she commits everything to the accurate depiction of what Virgin Black has to say to the world.
Further expertise can be found on display in the artwork for both "Trance" and "Sombre Romantic". Her photography perfectly befits the music it
accompanies and completes an arrangement where Virgin Black are credited with so much of their product.

ROWAN:
(Vocals / Piano & Keyboards)
Joining with Virgin Black shortly before recording their self-titled demo, Rowan has been a powerful influence in fashioning the band into what it is today. Through his commitment to "Sombre Romantic" and the inordinate freedom available to produce the album with the band, it has become the product which best represents his assiduous, inspired and perfectionistic approach to his craft. On stage he has an air of authority, seemingly able to manipulate emotions within the audience. An evocative presence emanates from the diverse vocal dexterity that he utilises to instill fear, empathy, anger, despondency or triumph into the listener at any given moment.

IAN:
(Bass / Vocals)
Affectionately known as "The Gravedigger" for his tall, shadowy and gaunt, disturbing appearance on stage. Ian has a calm, patient and persistent personality possessing great knowledge in the area of sound production. The unique sound found on "Sombre Romantic" was encouraged from the beginning by Ian, who displayed innovative engineering techniques while recording the original tracks. Joining with Virgin Black in 1999, he was a fan for years prior. He continues his enthusiasm and commitment, now within the ranks.

DINO:
(Drums)
The backbone of Virgin Black's rhythm became a member soon after the release of the band's demo in 1995. Dino possesses the rare quality of being a drummer who absorbs the sound and feel of every instrument, he masterfully administers the impact of percussion through every moment of Virgin Black's dynamic range. Attention to detail flows through to other artistic areas, from the technical precision of graphic design, to the more freestyle and creative side of his sketching and painting. An amenable and flexible personality makes Dino a most valuable asset.

CRAIG:
(Guitar / Vocals)
One of Virgin Black's original members, Craig is a gentle soul, with a subtle, humble, yet infinitely valuable presence in the band. With extensive studies in jazz guitar, the complexity and intricacies of Virgin Black's music come naturally to him. An ardent fan of film, he is also at home with the epic and dramatic presence of Virgin Black.