Ghost Orgy- Lullabies for Lunatics

New Jersey-based quintet Ghost Orgy have carved out an interesting stylistic niche for themselves. Hints of Rasputina, Elysian Fields, Miranda Sex Garden, and even Lydia Lunch underpin the band's viola-laden, female-fronted gothic metal/rock blend on their full-length debut, Lullabies for Lunatics. Whereas similar bands have been known to use strings as an accompanying instrument, Elena Doroftei's viola here is actually integral to the music, with its own melodies often intertwining with, or juxtaposing, the album's driving guitar and bass progressions. Dina Concina's vocals, correspondingly, are powerful enough to carry the album's heaviest moments yet melodic enough to complement Doroftei's viola work and create a quaint semi-ethereal vibe at its lightest.

The album's standouts include "Mortal Coil", juxtaposing lilting, moody rock sections with heavier passages featuring impressive drum work courtesy of Roy Van Tassel, as well as the bouncy swamp rock of "Bogota" and the lovely, moody ballroom intro of the plodding metal number "Twisted Into Oblivion". "Nothing", boasting particularly interesting viola work and powerful guitar/string stabs, and "Sanity Overthrown", showcasing interesting vocal production, a powerful slowdown and, an intense finale, are also noteworthy offerings, while the chaotic maelstrom of the minute-long album closer, "Ursita", is a fitting end.

As a whole, Ghost Orgy's debut is well produced and fairly sonically unique, an album built upon exceptionally well written and structurally intricate and interesting material. While metal appears to be at the heart of the album, the band's captivating use of strings and Concina's melodic vocal work create a moody ambience that will likely appeal to many non-metal fans as well, particularly those in the goth scene or fans of the aforementioned bands. Perhaps not completely breaking the mold, but certainly bending it out of shape, Ghost Orgy's Lullabies for Lunatics is a strong and consistent genre-blending gothic metal album that shouldn't be overlooked.