Isn't ironic that "Existentia" is the name of the latest album from a band whose very existence is uncertain? As of this writing, TRAIL OF TEARS is more one man's will than an actual band. Last year the band went on a tour that basically put them in financial crisis, resulting in all but one member calling it quits. That one member who refused to let TRAIL OF TEARS die is singer Ronny Thorsen, and every fan's hope is that he is working hard on giving the band life once again.

But let's focus on their fifth release "Existentia" instead of the problems TRAIL OF TEARS are facing right now. Upon listening to their new album, no one could suspect that there was anything wrong with the band. Labeled as Dark Gothic Metal, TRAIL OF TEARS as been able to set themselves apart other bands within the genre by offering albums that contain dramatic duelling vocals between Kjetil Nordhus and Ronny Thorsen, and some female vocals by Emmanuelle Zoldan to add a little more intensity to the songs.

All those elements can be found on "Existentia", as well as the heaviness, the darkness and the melodies that TRAIL OF TEARS fans have grown to love and appreciate. This album offers no real fast songs, as it varies between mid-tempos and slower rhythms. But the creativity of the songs makes up for the lack of speed, as each track is over the four minute mark and are all very well arranged. The production is also very good, and even though "Existentia" offers a dark sound, all the instruments and vocals are very clear. The arrangements with the piano and violins are also a nice touch and are not overdone, bringing out a darker tone to the songs without drowning the heavier side of the album. As far as melodies goes, songs like "My Comfort", "Decadence Becomes Me", "Empty Room" and "As It Penetrates" are the ones that carry the more catchy chorus melodies.

I wish nothing but good luck to Ronny Thorsen in his attempt to bring new life back into TRAIL OF TEARS, but if bad were to turn into worse, "Existentia" is a good enough release to have a band finish its career upon. However, lets hope it does not come to this, as it does sound like TRAIL OF TEARS would have a lot more to offer.