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I waited with great interest for Moonlight Waltz but also with some worries concerning the direction which the Italian group might take this time. Theatres Des Vampires combines dark, vampirism-soaking lyrics with gothic music, classical, electro and, in the beginnings, black metal. The previous release was filled with keys and a bit tiring electro parts. Since 2004, after Alessandro Nunziati left, the only vocals are done by Sonya Scarlet, band’s frontman, who did the backing vocals before. For the fans of older albums it might have been the withdrawal from band’s dark convention with dominant male voice.

"Moonlight Waltz" was released on January 14th, 2011 by Aural Music. On the album one can find symphony parts played by Classical Music Academy in Rome, conducted by Luca Bellanova. The cover looks a bit like a kitsch mix of elements commonly perceived as gothic. I didn’t like it much but the inside stands up for itself.
The band is definitely still undergoing evolution, matures but also searches. Noteworthy is the development of Sonya Scarlet. Her characteristic so far, almost theatrical, dying voice shows us a new, more delicate side. The album is enriched with guest acts.
"Keeper of Secrets" perfectly begins and introduces the dark mood. Its solemn and dynamic character is completed with Snowy Shaw (known i.a. from Therion), composing well with the whole. Strong guitar riffs are highly audible here. The background, like the whole album, is rich in symphonic parts.
Calm "Fly Away" is a non-standard song. Vocalist’s voice fades to the background and works well with the male voice. It sounds very pleasant and in gothic rock style.
"Moonlight Waltz" is a delicate, sad ballade. One can hear a lighter, more profound and darkness-filled face of the band. Guitar riffs fade away slightly giving space for a moment of thought. Sonya Scarlet shines combining delicate, high parts with declamation.
"Carmilla" is probably the strongest piece on the album. It was born on the basis of classic gothic story of the same title. It fits the character of the band perfectly. Rapacious and mysterious voice creates a coherent ensemble with brisk interpretation. Definite concert hit.
Next song is an undeniably vampirish "Sangue". More powerful, filled with energy so characteristic to the stage side of the band. Catchy chorus with guitars, leaving the symphonic style of the album it’s replaced with a hit rhythm.
"Figlio della Luna" is quite a surprise in the form of a recorded in Italian, almost gypsy lullaby. It’s a Mecano cover. Theatres des Vampires plays it more dynamically with aggressive guitar parts in the breaks.
"Black Madonna" and "Illusion" are yet another ballades that can become boring after a few hearings. Despite having different instrumental lines they fade somewhere between compositions.
Cadaveria in "Le Grand Guignol" fitted into theatre ambiance perfectly. The song is one of the most memorable, full of moans, screams highlighting the visions from lyrics. In this track the singer emphasizes her full vampiric energy.
In "Obsession" a combination between opera and electro can be found. It fell a story about vampiric obsessions and fight between desires.
"The Gates of Hades" slows down again and sways in the verses. Persistent researchers may find here references to works by Horace.
"Medousa" and Eva Breznikar of Laibach are a great closure of the album. Sonya Scarlet scares and seduces once again while characteristic and simple guitars add to the whole. A song positively outstanding.

"Moonlight Waltz" is worth numerous listening. It creates a nicely harmonized and elaborate whole with pleasant symphonic additions. It doesn’t lack darkness, vampirism but neither delicate gothic ballads. However, if one’s a fan of more ‘crowed’ voices set higher in the vocal scale than one may not like the theatrical ways of Sonya Scarlet, which may prevent from listening to the whole album. And yet band’s fans should be satisfied for she did a really good job. Lyrics on the album are diverse, with ambiance and the keys that create a harmonious and varied composition with guitars. It’s worth saying that Theatre Des Vampires sound equally good live as on the records and stuff that Sonya Scartlet does on the stage along with her theatre emphasizes the character of the music. The album is definitely good but I wouldn’t recommend it to fans of romantic and metro sexual vamps from "Twilight". ;)

Tracklist:

01. Keeper of Secrets
02. Fly Away
03. Moonlight Waltz
04. Carmilla
05. Sangue
06. Figlio della Luna
07. Black Madonna
08. Illusion
09. Le Grand Guignol
10. Obsession
11. The Gates of Hades
12. Medousa


Other articles:

• Theatres des Vampires + Motherstone + My Sweet Torment - 2011-06-02 (Live reports)
• Castle Party 2010 - 2010-10-20 (Live reports)
• Theatres des Vampires - Anima Noir - 2010-08-02 (Music reviews)

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