THEATRE OF TRAGEDY
MUSIQUE
ALBUM NUCLEAR BLAST RELEASE: OCTOBER 2, 2000 (EUROPE), NOVEMBER 14, 2000 (NORTH AMERICA) REVIEW: OCTOBER 16, 2000


One word keeps popping up while listening to "Musique" and it's spelled cool. This is a nicely executed blend of elements and the contrast between the stale and the emotional, a sweet paradox of guitar howls and cold electronics. Theatre of Tragedy is a Norwegian goth rock band embraced by buzzing synths and common pop arrangements and "Musique" is a perfectly balanced album.
The title track is one of the highlights, starting out as a dark electropop tune only to transform into poppy goth at the refrain entrance. Simply genius. Also contributing to the albums' consistency is the broad vocal spectrum of Raymond I Rohonyi's cool verse stuttering and Liv Kristine Espenaes' beautiful bridge and chorus displays.
Theatre of Tragedy have developed the sound trend Paradise Lost started on their "One Second" album and took further on their "Host" disc. The big difference between the two bands is the lyrics. Instead of tackling the big issues, the Norwegians tell stories of composing the perfect song and the advantages of going by public transportation. A phrase from this last mentioned song reveals both sense of humour and new found influences: "It's more fun to commute".

NIKLAS FORSBERG