GOTHMINISTER EMPIRE OF DARK SALVATION ALBUM TATRA, DRAKKAR, DANCING FERRET, HELION, ART-MUSIC RELEASE: FEBRUARY 14, 2005 (SCANDINAVIA), APRIL 4 (REST OF EUROPE), JUNE 10 (SOUTH AMERICA), JUNE/JULY (USA) REVIEW: JUNE 8, 2005

Rammstein. The Sisters of Mercy. Rob Zombie. Pain. When these artists already exist, I'm not sure about the need for Norwegian goth rock/industrial act Gothminister (Björn Alexander Brem) and his cohorts. Sure, I kind of dig the groove, heavy chords and dark singing at first. "Monsters" is a kick ass single and the whole of "Empire of Dark Salvation" has a nice, sinister feel to it.
But - we have to be honest here - although Gothminister has had a few strong songs like "Angels" and has gathered a following with debut album "Gothic Electronic Anthems", this is nothing more than lousy, fake-hard metal with lyrics that would be scary only for children.
Oh, and let's not forget the corpse paint. Norwegians with a fetish for guitars clearly love corpse paint. But that doesn't help the music one single bit. The reason I thought I liked this the first couple of times I listened to it is spelled N-O-S-T-A-L-G-I-A. Because it is clear I would have worshipped Gothminister, had I been a bit younger and still in high school. I am not, but it seems Gothminister is.
Rammstein. The Sisters of Mercy. Rob Zombie. Pain. And a whole bunch of other heavy goth rock/industrial bands and the likes. That is where Gothminister has found his inspiration, and that is what we think we hear in his music when we like it. And, sure, Gothminister does a good job copying his heroes. But a fake song is a fake song is a fake song. Don't forget that.

KALLE MALMSTEDT