In 1994, a talented young lady named Liv Kristine began her music career as a backing vocalist for Theatre of Tragedy. Quickly rising to share lead vocals with Raymond István Rohonyi, Kristine helped shape the signature blend of beauty-and-the-beast vocals that would not only define Theatre of Tragedy, but the Gothic Metal scene.
However, it has been a journey full of ups and downs, which even led Liv Kristine to consider quitting music altogether. A decision that would have been a significant loss for Metal World; most of all, it is more startling to think that the lovely Kristine would reach this point. Summarizing it all, Kristine was uncerminalozely let go from Theatre of Tragedy in 2003, went on to form Leaves’ Eyes with Atrocity’s Alexander Krull shortly thereafter, and also led them to massive success. Then, in 2016, Kristine was shockingly removed from Leaves’ Eyes. A terrible dagger to the heart, Kristine experienced not once, but twice; she was left to question who she was and where to go from here.
As a testament to her strength, Kristine did some soul searching and realized that while it seemed the world sought to break her, her passion for music would not be smothered. Proving this, Kristine made a massive comeback in 2023 with the stunning return-to-form Gothic Metal album River of Diamonds. An album she worked on with Østen Bergøy (former clean vocalist during Tristania’s golden years), Moonspell’s Fernando Ribeiro, her sister Carmen Elise Espenæs of Midnattsol, and her husband, Michael Espenæs, it is truly a must-listen.
Now two years later, Kristine returns with the anticipated follow-up solo album Amor Vincit Omnia. Released on April 25, 2025, through Metalville Records, this time the songstress worked with the respected Sascha Dannenberger. Dannenberger, who has worked with many others over the years, either in sessions or in a live capacity, was also responsible for production at his SaDinTheBox Studio and the Twilight Sound Studio in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The technical aspects of Amor Vincit Omnia explained, some might wonder: what does ‘amor vincit omnia’ mean? In Latin, it means “Love Conquers All,” a phrase rooted in Roman poetry that has echoed through centuries of art, philosophy, and rebellion. In Kristine’s context, it is about survival, healing, and the power of love to transcend exile, rupture, and grief.
Like a musical, albeit Metal, Amor Vincit Omnia begins with a “Prelude” featuring a Celtic-like instrumental opening, with her reverberating voice stating that “amor vincit omnia” means “love conquers all,” and we are off to the races. Other songs, like “Hold It With Your Life,” expand upon the album’s theme, and the title track, “Amor Vincit Omnia,” features a blend of beauty and beast vocals, with the beast being sung by Michael Espenæs. His compliments her ethereal soprano, and knowing it is Kristine’s husband who is against her, adds a layer of beautiful intimacy.
Moving on, “Unzip My Love” also expresses unconditional love and total vulnerability. This is in contrast to “Ode to Life Pristine,” a poetically fragile track that reflects purity and the sanctity of existence. Here, Kristine’s words evoke the understanding that she knows life is something that can easily be taken away. Then “12th February,” just by the title, makes you think that you are hearing a diary entry in real-time. With that in mind, if Kristine is writing in her diary, she is writing about becoming comfortable in her skin. Very powerful messaging, you also have “Angel In Disguise“ with a more Pop Metal beat, and “Sapphire Heaven” follows through with the cycle of self-acceptance.
Relationships can be messy, especially with ourselves, when we recognize that we have much to offer. “Melange (Whenaddictioncalls)” covers this with an R&B-ish double-drum beat accompanied by piano before transitioning with a multi-guitar riff during the chorus. Then you have “When Stillness Speaks,” which brings the album to a close, embracing silence in love and finding Kristine feeling comfortable in herself.
Like the above-mentioned hypothetical musical, we started on shaky ground, fought mainly with ourselves, as we all do, whether we admit it or not, and came out the other side, finding love and loving ourselves. Not to sound cliché, but all’s well that ends. In truth, Liv Kristine is an extraordinary singer. Her musical influences span classical, as she is trained as a classical singer, and that discipline informs her vocal control and phrasing. Bands like Paradise Lost and Type O Negative’s Gothic and Doom Metal can be seen as an influence on the dark romanticism of Kristine’s early work with other projects, and this carries over into her solo career.
On the other hand, Norwegian and Celtic folk melodies also emerge. Listening to Amor Vincit Omnia, the tracks are pretty diverse, featuring a mix of elements from her past work. Showing her adaptability and reverence for emotional storytelling, Cryptic Rock gives Liv Kristine’s Amor Vincit Omnia 5 out of 5 stars.
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