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The Illusion Fades
The Essential Collection 1993 - 2014
The Illusion Fades
is a very experienced band coming out from The Mediterranean
Cathedral of Gothic Rock: Greece. This band has a very interesting
career and this compilation album is kind of a special celebration.
The Illusion Fades have more than 20 years of story and they have
done great Gothic Rock music through the years; the band started in
1990, and their first release was a self-titled LP back in 1993.
They have released five full-length albums, and three EPs and
singles. This band has been working very hard in the underground
scene through the years, and I’m glad to see that The Illusion
Fades is still active up to this day. The rendition of Gothic Rock
made by these musicians is unique, loyal to the tradition, and proud.
Have to say that the tracks featured in this “Essential Collection
1993-2014” have been remastered and re- worked; the result is an homogeneous sound and these tracks are pretty strong. They have
combined their experience with renewed strength.
“We Are The same”
is an excellent opener, it features the collaboration of Candia
McKormack (Incubus Succubus) and Mike York (Kalt) It’s a top
quality track, this one is perfectly balanced and is like a one-song
big collaborative project a-la The Eden House. “13th
Day” is a powerful song: It
features those high-voltage guitars, and dark-melodic Gothic Rock
harmonies; this one is classy. “Fear Of Love” is that classic
90’s Gothic Rock with dramatic sound, piano chords, dominant
guitars, and deep voice…nuff said! “Highway 666” is more Rock
oriented, mid-tempo and it combines electric riffs, strings, and
melodic chorus. “The Christmas Song” has powerful Gothic Rock
sound of the 90’s; is a total brain buster. The combination of
guitars and keyboards is brilliant here. “Close Your Eyes” is
kind of a very tasty Gothic Ballad: It has a mixture of dramatic feel
and introspection, the mixture of male and female voice is very
distinctive of the 90’s sound too. “Dead White Snow” is the
perfect balance between guitar oriented Gothic Rock and elegant 90’s
Dark Wave, it sounds great. The same description applies to the next
track: “Full Of Fire” the arrangement here is impeccable, this is
overwhelming Gothic rock with a slight Metal touch (I’m talking
here about the incendiary guitars and the double bass-drum) this song
is executed with majesty. And … “Here My Voice” rises the level
of intensity to the max with crushing guitars, double bass drums
(again) , mixed with keyboards and the most classic 90’s Goth Rock
sound; this one is hallucinating. “Light My Fire” (NOT the song
by The Doors!) is a really dark-passionate tune. “From Dusk To
Dawn” has a slow pace and it’s highly atmospheric and sober.
”Dark Rain” is melodic and highly energetic; it has some touch of
acoustic sound; delicious track! “Valentine” is full of dynamic
sound, fluent guitars and great rhythm; fine stuff! “Give My Life
To You” is the final track, this song and the previous one have
some 80’s Gothic Rock vibe; both songs are finely executed.
Awesome release by
The Illusion Fades:
This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate
and enjoy the great music of this band. This collection has a great
track selection; is a total gem for those who love traditional Gothic
Rock. Thanks to the internet you can have access to great bands from the worldwide underground scene; and The Illusion Fades is really
worth to check it out. Only 100 copies of this release were made,
don’t be slow and get yours!
Daniel Olvera
