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VOLKMARBlessed SinsRelease: 2008Label: Modern Invasion MusicAvantgenre: Syngoth MetalDuration: 49:22Origin: AustraliaOfficial site: http://www.myspace.com/volkmarsins.............................................................................................................................................First of all, first things first. I am not goingto be comparing this "proper” album withits self-released predecessor, OvertureMacabre (which was a pretty decent releasein its own right), as though theyshare songs, this album’s longer lengthand much clearer production puts it inanother ball park entirely.Imagine, if you will, a more metal versionof classic Bauhaus. Bypass the Moonspellsand Type O’s while you are it. Inessence, this outfit channels the spirit of80’s goth rock (with a hint of cold wave)into 90’s metal (no sub-genres such asblack or death need apply).The opener "Eyes Sewn Shut” is one of theband’s strongest tunes to date, combiningnice thick riffage with great (and nostalgiainducing) songwriting that makes youwant to bang your head in a rather morbidfashion. The vocalist ( and the production)has improved, providing a throatierbaritone to go with the industrial gothicmetal instrumentation. The title trackwastes no time in showing the band's othermore 80's influenced allegiance, keepingit interesting and highly addictive allthe way.Most of the songs keep the pace good, andthe sound testosterone based. "Interludein Hell" breaks the flow with a short andsuitably dark piece leading to more Sistersof Mercy playing metal via "White Heaven"."The Burning" is my favorite track on thealbum,being highly catchy without relyingon the tried formula, having no crunchyguitars yet still managing to be a chragedsong with nice lyrics. Its dark and andmid paced with clear synths but soundsnothing like typical darkwave fare. And itsegues niceley into "Obsessed". Awesome !The band’s sense of dynamics is strong,and takes only the enjoyable bits of stalwartslike Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus,leaving behind the doodling. The muscularityof the band’s sound changes it frommoping sounding to positively threateningin places. The synths never take top priorityand neither do the samples, only enhancingthe claustrophobic dark atmospherecreated by these morose Australians.This is steadily developing into one myfavorite new gothic metal bands (and oneof the few who justify the tag). Let us observeand see where their dark path leadsto from here.Suleiman