Tragedy in Hope – Sleep Paralysis [Full Length, 2021]

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Where do I start? Russian Symphonic Black Metal act Tragedy in Hope recently released their first full length called ‘Sleep Paralysis’ on 12 Feburary 2021 and boy, I have a lot to say.

First of all, Sleep Paralysis is a concept album revolving around personal struggle personified in a journey through a dark, twisted dream. Alright, sounds promising. I like albums with concept and story. But how does the 8 track fare, music-wise? I think Sleep Paralysis is a bombastic and excellently executed with variety of styles thrown in the mix; high shrieks, haunting female vocals, clean vocals, highly melodic guitar riffs, ethereal and epic keyboards as well thundering drums. Which actually led me to familiar territories: 90s Symphonic Black Metal style in veins of Cradle of Filth, Abyssos, Dimmu Borgir, and Hecate Enthroned. In fact, half way through playing the album, it started to sound eerily similar to Cradle of Filth during their prime (Dusk… and Her Embrace up to Midian). 

But make no mistake, I’m not even against it as Tragedy in Hope doesn’t seem blatantly copying CoF (or other 90s Symphonic BM giants for that matter). Obviously, they’re not as over the top like CoF (no vampire obsession at least!) and Sleep Paralysis seems to have a good dynamic in keeping the mood throughout. You’ll find melodic riffs all the way to end, with vocals tearing through the tracks and keyboard keeping it epic. I feel as if Tragedy in Hope is paying tribute to the 90s Symphonic Black Metal and they done it tastefully and respectfully. Don’t sleep on this. We’re probably witnessing the beginning of a band with big potential.

Sleep Paralysis is now available in CD and digital download format.

FFO: Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Abyssos, Hecate Enthroned, Emperor

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