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Gothic metal isn’t as favorably looked upon as other genres of metal because there are not a lot of standout bands to counteract the bland trend-followers. For every 5 Suffocation clones, there’ a Mithras, and a Wolves in the Throne Room can easily make one forget about the legions of Marduk worshippers. Gothic metal does not have that luxury – it has not advanced far beyond My Dying Bride. Von Branden’s Scherben is yet another faceless gothic metal album.

This album tears many a page from the My Dying Bride rulebook – shimmering but mournful clean guitar parts and synth strings contrasted by low-end rage and creepy tenors. The production on Scherben is clear, so all of these parts come out and mesh together. However, there are some sections that don’t gel. The saxophone in the title track is buried and fails to stand out and give the song a unique color. “Ignoranzkult” features a duet with male and female vocals. Normally, male vocalist Solarian von Branden is able to hold his own forcefully. When singing with the nameless woman, he sounds like Quorthon on an off day.

There’s not much else to say about this record, because there isn’t a whole lot going on to discuss. If you are a diehard fan of the genre, acquire Scherben immediately. Otherwise, skip it.

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Reviewer: Andy O'Connor Added: December 31st 2007