Throes of Dawn is a dark metal band from Finland and Quicksilver Clouds is their fourth full length. Although my teammate Alex reviewed their previous album, Binding Of The Spirit, I had never heard of them before checking some mp3 samples on their webpage because I had read quite an interesting review. I don't remember what song it was, but it was definitely taken from this album and I just loved the way it sounded and right away wanted to buy the album. It took me quite a while to get it, but finally I managed to find it and I am now ready to review it.

I don't know why but I can't help thinking of Tiamat's Clouds when I listen to this album. I don't know if it's because of the album title or maybe I read this somewhere, but the parallel is quite right and quite obvious on the opening track Vertigo. A majestuous track with wonderful melodies and a dreamlike amosphere. Some of the following songs have a more metal edge but they remain dark atmospheric with their dark, haunting, cold sound in which the keyboard plays a very vital role in the creation of the atmosphere bringing sadness and melancholy. The half clean, half aggressive voice of Henri Koivula also plays a major role in the way the band weaves together the beautiful dark melodies and the catchy aggressive parts into a nicely progressive tapestry of music that sounds fresh and interesting.

From what I read Quicksilver Clouds shows an expected progression of this band into greater musical maturity with this album of consistent quality. I don't care if this album doesn't sound as heavy and aggressive as their previous works did, because it has this typical melancholic atmosphere Finnish bands are known for. This album has great tracks worth your money and Quicksilver Clouds is bound to draw Throes Of Dawn a great deal of attention. You can count on this.