Released
1995

Label
Ipso Facto

Reviewed by
Donald Netolitzky

Visit
Stone 588


Last Edit/Update
02 May, 1999

Door In The Dragon's Throat

Track listing

1. Lightning Rails
2. Paradise Fields
3. Scales of Justice
4. Sunset Abyss
5. Ruination
6. Icon Bleeds
7. Unguarded World
8. Stygian Darkness
9. Posthumous
10. Night Behind the Mind
11. Eden Lost
12. Poseidon's Grace
13. Panacea
14. Contrition
15. Door in the Dragon's Throat
16. Westering Moon
17. Eyes of a Statue
18. Sleep Chamber
19. Blur Red
20. Shards to Sheaths
21. Of the Ambush of God.

    Evidence that musical styles truly never do completely disappear, Stone 588 is, in many ways, a return to a different gothic age. Shorn of the electronic/synthetic elements, and aggressive dance beat so prevalent in many current goth projects, this veteran musical presence is strongly reminiscent of the classic early 80's goth-rock sounds of groups such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Bauhaus, and other seminal bands. And on the whole, rather than a simple pastiche, the result is a comfortable one indeed.
    Musically, the album "Door In the Dragon's Throat" is dominated by two elements, the emotive vocals of Terri Kennedy, and the liquid electric guitar of David Rhine. Both are effective, but Kennedy's vocals, in particular, are striking, rich and appealing. Expanding from the conventional celtic forms, a near tribal, middle eastern tone is found in certain tracks, offering an elegant variation in tone and tenor. Lyrical subject matter is consistent with the conventional goth modes, poetic, addressing topics including the supernatural, mythic, ceremonial, but most certainly, dark, without approaching an excessively theatric tone.
    Never aggressive, Stone 588 ranges from a mellow flow, to periodically atmospheric, at some times ethereal. While the pace is likely slow for dance, the album itself offers a pleasant, relaxed listening experience, with sufficient variation to avoid a sense of homogeneity. Another simple delight is the album length - in a day and age when 45 minutes of music equates full price, this CD is at the physical limit of the medium - over 74 minutes, without a host of disinteresting and repetitive remixes.
    Those fond of the vocals and musical forms of Lisa Gerard of Dead Can Dance and Rhea's Obsession will likely find familiar territory within Door to the Dragon's Throat, the flowing guitar presence is in no way intrusive. Similarly, listeners to goth projects led by female artists such as Die Laughing, and Athamay should enjoy Stone 588 gentle compositions, as will those who find yourselves drifting to the CD racks to re-examine the musical developments which led to this persistent and creative subculture.