Sirenia - The Enigma of Life

The “fan vs. critic” theory can be best described as the fan in the listener will enjoy Band A while the critic in the same listener will think Band A is too paint-by-the-numbers in its approach and lacks creativity.  If there was ever a classic example of the “fan vs. critic” that exists in music for me, Sirenia would be a good example.  The theory holds true with the band and their latest album The Enigma of Life.

The Enigma of Life marks a first for Sirenia in that the vocalist on the previous album (Ailyn) actually returns for the current album.  The album also marks, in a sense, a more consistent style of music for the band.  Relying more on the symphonic elements, Sirenia has gone back to some degree on what made them good, as noted on An Elixir for Existence.  Also making its presence known in larger quantities is the “beast” vocals, which are provided by Morten Veland.  If you have listened to the most recent Sirenia album The 13^th Floor at all, then you pretty much know what to expect from The Enigma of Life, which is to say wonderful female vocals and music that tries to fit with them.  This approach can be considered safe in the sense that it does its best to maintain the listeners that they already have.  The obvious downside to that is that it won’t gain them any new fans, and considering that the female-fronted Gothic metal genre has been getting some criticism for sounding too generic, it can hurt twice as much for the band.  Where Sirenia does take risks on the album is their willingness to go with a slower, darker feel to the songs, which are done to a respectable effect.  However, that’s about the only thing that has really changed about Sirenia.

Say what you will about Sirenia, but their music can spark strong emotions on both sides of the line.  Depending on how you feel about Sirenia and the female-fronted Gothic metal in general, The Enigma of Life will either be a great album or a terrible album.  The rating you see with this album is an indication that the fan in me has a greater influence than the critic in me.  Let the debate begin.

Release Date: January 21, 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  The End of it All
2.  Fallen Angel
3.  All My Dreams
4.  This Darkness
5.  The Twilight in Your Eyes
6.  Winter Land
7.  Seaside Serenade
8.  Darkened Days to Come
9.  Coming Down
10.  This Lonely Lake
11.  Fading Star
12.  The Enigma of Life

Total playing time:  52:34

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Peter

January 17, 2011