Origin: Adelaide, Australia  
Genres: Gothic Metal, Doom Metal
INACTIVE
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Page online: November 5, 2003
Last update/review: January 5, 2019

Virgin Black

Virgin Black is one of those rare bands that not only attempt their own path in music, but succeed in producing something quite special. Sombre Romantic, their 2001 debut full-length following an EP entitled Trance two years prior, is a masterpiece, an emotive, expressive gothic doom album that relies not on bludgeoning riffs but subtle effects such as quiet piano interludes and the occasional Gregorian-styled vocal chant in order to convey melancholic and often haunting moods. At times the album feels more like a movie soundtrack than a simple collection of songs, with the band drifting from subdued vocal/guitar duets to aggressive riffing to quiet, moodier sections. This is one of the best albums to emerge in the past several years, and their recent Elegant ... But Dying release has proven to be a worthy followup. This is an outstanding and original band.

Slated for 2007 is the release of no less than three new albums (one purely orchestral, one with band and orchestral, and one "normal" band release). Entitled Requiem - Pianissimo, Requiem - Mezzo Forte, and Requiem - Fortissimo, respectively, the three albums are intended to be released more or less simultaneously, with Mezzo Forte coming first, in April.

Last Lineup

Rowan London

vocals/keyboards

Samantha Escarbe

lead guitar/cello

Former Members/Guests

Craig Edis

guitars/vocals

Ian Miller

bass

Grayh

bass

Dino Cielo

drums

Luk Faz

drums



Discography


Trance  EP
1999
  1. Opera De Trance
  2. A Saint Is Weeping
  3. Whispers Of Dead Sisters
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe
  • Craig Edis
  • Ian Miller
  • Dino Cielo



Sombre Romantic  
2001 The End
  1. Opera de Romanci
  2. Walk Without Limbs
  3. Of Your Beauty
  4. Drink the Midnight Hymn
  5. Museum of Iscariot
  6. Lamenting Kiss
  7. Weep for Me
  8. I Sleep with the Emperor
  9. A Poet's Tears of Porcelain
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe
  • Craig Edis
  • Ian Miller
  • Dino Cielo




Elegant ... And Dying  
2003 The End
  1. Adorned In Ashes
  2. Velvet Tongue
  3. And The Kiss Of God.s Mouth (Part 1)
  4. And The Kiss Of God.s Mouth (Part 2)
  5. Renaissance
  6. The Everlasting
  7. Cult Of Crucifixion
  8. Beloved
  9. Our Wings Are Burning
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe
  • Craig Edis
  • Ian Miller
  • Dino Cielo
2003 Readers' Album #93





Requiem - Mezzo Forte  
2007 The End
  1. Requiem, Kyrie
  2. In Death
  3. Midnight's Hymn
  4. Â…And I Am Suffering
  5. Domine
  6. Lacrimosa (I Am Blind With Weeping)
  7. Rest Eternal
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe
  • Grayh
  • Luk Faz
2007 Readers' Album #95





Requiem - Fortissimo  
2008 The End
  1. The Fragile Breath
  2. In Winters Ash
  3. Silent
  4. God in Dust
  5. Lacrimosa (Gather Me)
  6. Darkness
  7. Forever
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe
  • Grayh
  • Luk Faz
2008 Readers' Album #76




Requiem - Pianissimo  
2018 independent
  1. Requiem Aeternum
  2. Dies Irae
  3. Until Death
  4. Kyrie Eleison
  5. Libera Eis Domine
  6. Lacrimosa (I Tread Alone)
  7. Pie Jesu
  8. Remembrance
  • Rowan London
  • Samantha Escarbe




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