Entwine
Time of Despair

June 2002
Released: 2002, Spikefarm
Rating: 5.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

Entwine are:

Aksu Hanttu-drums

Jaani-guitar

Tom Mikkola-guitar

Joni Miettinen-bass

Ritta Heikkonen-keyboards

Mika Tauriainen-lead vocals



Anssi Kippo has produced Entwine's record for the third time. The record was recorded in the Astia-studio A as the other records they have made. Anssi has made a real success this time with the sound picture and the production, even better than with the two records before. This is a masterpiece. One of the best gothic metal productions so far this year, in my opinion.



Mika impresses a lot and he has a marvelous voice. Paradise Lost has once again inspired the band as on the first record. The guitars have more space in the mix. No track is bad, the songs show the same high quality all the way through. My favorites on this record are first the faster ones ”Stream of life” and ”The Pit” and then the ballad ”Safe in a dream”. Then there is the title track and ”Nothing Left To Say”. My copy of the record is limited edition, so I have two extra songs on my version which are called ”Tonight” - a brilliant production and a cover on a Kiss track - ”Tears Are Falling”. I find this version better than the original.



Entwine still has lots of changes of tempo in every song and they are very technical. Everyone in the band impresses me. With TIME OF DESPAIR Entwine can gain more ground and become really, really great. They deserve it! There may be some trouble to top a record like this one because this is ultimate and brilliant and I love this record. Great job people!

Entwine
Time of Despair

July 2002
Released: 2002, Century Media
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: CrashTest

When I opened the package of CDs that EvilG sent me a few weeks ago, the first thing I thought was, “G must be insane if he thinks I’m gonna review Nine Inch Nails”. Here was a band photo with a dude in the middle who looked just like Trent Reznor. As it turned out, the photo was the goth metal band Entwine. I wiped the sweat from my brow and thanked the metal gods that EvilG had not strayed from the path.



I reviewed Entwine’s GONE last year, and though it took me awhile to appreciate where the band was coming from, I ended up liking it. With this album, it took me considerably less time to find something I liked. One thing that stands out on this release is that it is more melodic and heavier than it’s predecessor, especially in the guitar department. Hmmmm … more melodic and heavier? Sounds like a winner to me.



If I had to nail down a handful of songs on this album which make it better than the previous Entwine incarnations, I would have to go with the first three tracks and “Until the End”, which appears near the end of the disc. “Until the End” showcases a more eclectic sound for the band, as it is a duet with a female lead that features a nice mix of keys and acoustic guitar.



Honestly, I don’t care much for gothic metal. With the down-tuned guitars, frequent use of keyboards, slow pacing and depressing lyrics, it’s just never been my thing. But if you put me on a deserted island and told me I could have one CD and that it had to be gothic metal, I’d go with this one. Or maybe Katatonia’s LAST FAIR DEAL GONE DOWN.



Official website: http://www.entwine.cjb.net/