The categorization of Gothic Metal is quite a broad one that can range from the work of England’s Paradise Lost to Finland’s H.I.M. Two vastly different entities, to simplify matters, let us just say – to most, Gothic Metal falls somewhere between H.I.M., Italy’s Lacuna Coil, and Germany’s Lacrimas Profundere. With this in mind, one such band that has adopted this stylistic approach for quite some time is Vlad in Tears.
Vlad in Tears, initially formed in Italy but now calling Berlin, Germany, home for over a decade, has roots that date back to 2006. Nearly two decades ago, the band’s core has always consisted of three siblings: Vocalist/Pianist Kris, Bassist Dario, and Guitarist Lex Vlad. Together, they have created some dark, melodic, and engaging Gothic Metal music ranging from their impressive 2007 debut Seeds of an Ancient Pain, through to 2022’s Porpora. Experimenting with their style along the way – interjecting different sounds, and at times, creating heavier tunes – Vlad in Tears return in 2024 with the album Relapse.
The band’s ninth overall studio record, Relapse, set for release March 22nd, marks their second with the German-based Metalville Records. An excellent spot for the band, Relapse finds Vlad in Tears trying a few new things. To begin with, the three brothers devoted a significant amount of time in 2023 to creating the new material. Additionally, they reportedly devoted 10 consecutive days to working on the album at Kris’s recording studio. Something that lends itself to a very dialed-in approach, it seems that everyone had equal input, carving out the songs as a unit. However, what most boldly stands out is the absence of synth elements this time around. Something different, scaling back these aspects has created one of the band’s most guitar-driven and heavier Rock albums to date.
Now, if you are new to Vlad in Tears, the band’s prior outputs have always been consistently and equally passionate and emotional. As mentioned, they have progressed from album to album, and with Relapse, they continue to create a world that will be familiar to listeners. Considering these ideas, Vlad in Tears has not entirely abandoned its past approach, but Relapse certainly aims for a rougher, less polished sound. Doing this over the course of eleven songs, the guitar grooves are thick and Kris’ voice is more intense and in your face than ever before. Still having the same passionate, romantic tone, for whatever reason, his performance comes across as more gruff and tough.
Indeed, more of a driven Hard Rock album, some of the big winners here include “Break Away,” the haunting “Broken Bones,” “Dig Deep,” as well as the outstanding “Fight For Another Day” and “Live Again.” This is while other standout moments include the Industrial-like “Goodbye” and “Not Good Enough.”
In all, Relapse is an album that finds Vlad in Tears taking a different approach and finding success. The less saturated style creates a mood that lets you get into a groove, heavily pronounced by guitars, as well as the hooky, irresistible vocal lines. Featuring an energy that cannot be denied, Cryptic Rock gives Vlad in Tears Relapse 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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