ZERAPHINE, as many heavy music fans know, is the project of Sven Friedrich and Norman Selbig — the vocalist and guitarist of the well-known '90s gothic doom outfit DREADFUL SHADOWS, which faded into oblivion in 2000. ZERAPHINE was built upon their ruins. Though calling it a project at this point would be difficult, as the band has four very successful albums to their name, including the new album "Still." The Seraphins can therefore be called a fully established, fully formed band with their own identity.
The album's music is, as on previous records, melodic and catchy gothic rock with Sven's melancholic clean vocals. But specifically melancholic — not the whiny, dying variety characteristic of various love-metal bands. There are no longer any complaints about Friedrich's voice; after all, on the DREADFUL SHADOWS albums it was somewhat poorly trained and occasionally wavered. Incidentally, a few times he even added a slight rasp — the doom past making itself felt, apparently.
The lyrics, as on last year's release, are German-English — meaning one half is performed in German and the other in English.
The catchiness of the material (one of the band's hallmark traits) remains firmly in place — practically every song instantly lodges itself in your head, both melody and chorus. All compositions are highly varied, and the guitar solo on Since We're Falling even reminded me, believe it or not, of Katatonia.
All in all, ZERAPHINE have once again confirmed their status as gothic rock stars, and if this consistency continues for a few more years, an army of devoted followers will not be far behind. So we wait.