Album Notes

Written In Ashes' latest release, Epiphany, contains 11 heavenly tracks. Portland Oregon goth rockers, Written In Ashes, have finally released the long-awaited follow-up to their 1997 release Eternal.

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With a new line-up for Written In Ashes, Epiphany further demonstrates the evolution and diversity of this remarkable band. For example, the inclusion of female vocals on the track "Shattered & Gone" (provided by Lisa Stringfield from Carmina Piranha). This is the first time I have ever heard Written In Ashes use female vocals, so this was unusual (and a nice surprise). Another example of diversity is explored in the track "Sinners". Using only vocals, stand-up bass and piano, this track is minimalistic and presents an eerie, religious experience for the listener.

My favorite tracks on Epiphany are also my favorite tracks to hear performed live. "Inauspicious" always brings me to the dance floor, and this particular mix is one of the many variations of this song that I have been fortunate to have heard. Another mix can be heard on the "Eclipse" EP released in 1999.

The track "See The Truth" is a reprise of the Eternal track "When the Sun is Low". While these tracks are very different, they are connected lyrically. "When The Sun Is Low" is full of dark hunger, while "See The Truth" is sentimental and beautiful. Kevyn (vocals) explains, "When the Sun is Low was a song about pure dark and dirty lust... See the Truth is more or less a reprieve from lust to love to longing and loss."

The final track on Epiphany is the epic track "Terrapin". I find myself going back to this particular track time and time again, and I can get quite lost in the alluring darkness of this song. Written In Ashes states that they wanted to capture that "essence of displacement" with Terrapin. That is exactly the effect that this song has. Close your eyes and listen to Terrapin... visualize dreams of the past, the night sea and silver patterns on the water. Terrapin is another of my favorite tracks on this cd.

Written In Ashes offers the listener variety with Epiphany. Every track is unique, and every track has a story. Kevyn's deep vox is hypnotic, and the professionalism of this band is extremely evident here. I highly recommend Epiphany.

( - reviewed by guest writer Sonya Brown