It's difficult to know how this new Tristania release is being marketed. The title on the cover and the spine indicates 'Midwinter Tears', the unofficial title of their 1997 demo. But of course, as a re-release in 2005, it is obviously so much more than that single entity. But other than physically picking this up and perusing the track listing you wouldn't have a clue that this is actually a double-disc affair, one of which is a DVD!! Of course, not being privy to the absolute final packaging of this release, Napalm Records have probably slapped a ruddy great sticker on the front, pointing out these finer details. Still, I reckon with the DVD being the clincher of this whole thing, you'd think its title ('Widow's Tour 1999') would be a bit more obvious to the everyday metalhead.
For fans of extremely dark and very heavy Gothic Metal, Norway's' Tristania are a must. If you've never heard Tristania, think of them as a more bullish 'Nightwish' with less emphasis on the melody and the symphonic keyboards. In this sense, Tristania come off like a Gothic Doom act at times, but long time fans will know that with 'Vibeke Stene'- their key female vocal element - this band presents a far more dramatic and atmospheric vibe. They've always sounded rather interesting, and thankfully with this new 're-release' the visual aspect of the band can also be appreciated (although this would be possibly more due to the 'Stene' presence that anything else).
Disc 1 of this re-release features both of Tristania's ep releases - 1997's 'Midwinter Tears' and 1999's 'Angina'. Long time fans will possibly already own these two items, either individually or perhaps via the 2001 'best of' compilation which also included both eps. Quite why we get them again in 2005 is a bit of a mystery, although I do detect a better sound being associated with them this time around. Perhaps some remixing has occurred since their original release. Again, there is nothing in the inlay booklet that would give you a clue to this. Tristania fans will also know that three of the four 'MWT' ep made it onto the bands 1998 debut 'Widow's Weeds' and two of the 'Angina' ep tracks appeared on 1999's 'Beyond the Veil'. Aside from some improved mixing and tweaking, purchasing these tracks for what is now their 'fourth' appearance is possibly stretching their worth just a tad too far. However, it is clear that disc 1 is NOT the reason you would buy this package. That's right - It is the DVD component of 'Midwinter Tears 2005' that is its selling point.
Disc 2 is a totally remastered, first time on DVD version of the bands 1999 'Widow's Tour' video. Prior to this release, the video, aside from bootlegging it from some lucky punter who bought one the rare copies, or breaking into the vaults of Napalm itself, was virtually impossible to find. The DVD features six tracks (including the video for 'Evenfall') taken from the 'Widow's Weeds' album clocking in at 45 minutes. Recorded in Oberwart, Austria, it showcases the band in a rather stark and minimalist stage setting, encapsulating the bands dark depressive mood. It's all professionally shot with a least six cameras involved allowing for some sharp editing to take place. The sound is full and perfectly captured. As a band, Tristania are not the most visual of metal acts, but then again this is far from party music. Fortunately, the bands music is dramatic and interesting enough to hold the listeners (or in this case, watchers) attention. And there's always 'Vibeke Stene' to look at. Her oh so serious, Hippy/Kate Bush inspired dance moves are quite amusing to watch.
All up, this is a release that all fans of Tristania and dark Gothic Metal will want to get their hands on (even if you already have the ep tracks three times!). The DVD is the most important element and gives a fantastic look at the band in a visual light - particularly for us non-European fans who will never see them in the flesh. Highly recommended.
- Krozza
(See reviewer's scoring method)
