Lilitu
The Delores Lesion
7.6
When a band combines elements of Green Carnation, Katatonia, and Dark Tranquillity, it is a near-certainty that I will enjoy it. What really comes as a surprise is when the band in question hails not from Norway or Sweden, but from the American deep south, Georgia, to be exact. The Delores Lesion is Lilitu’s first album for The End Records and it proves that they are one of the label’s wisest signings.
The Lilitu sound consists of many layers that all come together coherently. The guitarwork is typically subdued, although when set free, their riffage is very melodic and Gothenburg-ish. The keyboards are generally used atmospherically, and at other times they are used to complement the guitars, a’la Dark Tranquillity. The vocals are a more contentious element, having the potential to turn some listeners off. Lilitu trades off between frantic, screamed vocals (like Mikael Stanne of DT), and loads of purely clean singing. I can imagine his clean voice grating a few nerves, although I don’t mind it. The production could stand to give the guitars more heft, but is well-suited for this band otherwise.
“Only the End of the World” opens up the album with great flair, being the most energetic track on here. “Even the Vultures Have Moved On” follows up with an intro that sounds very much like Dimmu Borgir, but then settles into a more refined sound. From there, the mood becomes slightly more morose, and less intense, but the songs are still compelling.
All in all, I found The Delores Lesion to be very fulfilling, with only two minor complaints: not enough songs (7 proper songs), and at times, they need to reel in the screaming – it gets a little trying. I still can confidently recommend Lilitu to fans of DT, Insomnium, and Green Carnation.
