Third Realm- Romantic Death

Artist: Third Realm

CD title: Romantic Death

Label: Third Realm

Genre: Gothic/Darkwave

Website: https://www.wix.com/thirdrealm/third-realm

Reviewer: DJ Kantrip

Date: 02/01/2011

Purchase Here:
https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Death/dp/B004HLF65W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294932349&sr=8-1

Romantic Death is the 4^th release from the Gothic/Darkwave/Electro act, Third Realm.

Brain child of Nathan Reiner, Third Realm combines a lot of the vocal aesthetics of Gothic Rock and Dark Wave with the dance floor appeal and aggression of electro-industrial music.

The album,  kicks off with Kiss of the Scorpion which has a very haunting Diary of Dreams feel to it.   Rather slow and dirge-like but with a nice beat you can sway along with on the dance floor.  The next song Burnt Offerings takes the mood up a notch with a rather bouncy beat, while the programming and vocals maintain the haunting Gothic mood of the opening track.  On the third track,  Bullet Proof Soul, the synthesizers and emotional tone raise to match that of the beat in the previous track.

That's an enjoyable aspect of this album.  There is a flow that runs through it.  It's not industrial beats and echoing vocals one moment, and then a slow sad instrumental waltz the next.  Each song takes the listener through the emotional ups and downs that Reiner conveys rather smoothly.   This reviewer was concerned that the album would become rather monotonous after the first 5 tracks.  There is a distinct lack of good Darkwave in the current “Dark Alternative” music community, and while Third Realm is representing that sub-genre well, 60 minutes of the same rhythms, synths and droning vocals can get tiring.

Thankfully Reiner demonstrates just how diverse his talents and influences are.  Beyond Temptation has distorted vocals and a rather aggressive Leather-strip feel to it.   On September's Ashes the synthesizers and drums take on a happier synthpop sound, and This Mortal Coil is an awesome tribute to the sound embodied by the shoegazer/gothic super group of the same name.  All of these influences and styles are represented without compromising the flow of the album.

Romantic Death is perfect for the clubs or a quiet night at home.   It maintains the traditional sounds of Gothic Darkwave that also isn't scared to explore all of its influences effectively.   Fans of Sisters of Mercy, Diary of Dreams, and Suspiria will definitely want to check out Third Realm if they haven't already.