Album & EP Reviews

Carmeria – Trinity: Volume I (EP)

Carmeria – Trinity: Volume I (EP)
Self-Released
Release Date 14/02/25
Review by Beth Morait
10/10

Australian Gothic maestros, Carmeria have been busy unleashing a black-nail-varnish-and-frilly-shirted path of dominance in the genre since their reformation in 2018. And they’ve delighted and enthralled both myself and my esteemed friend and Ever Metal writer, Dark Juan, during this time, too. So, when a new little EP popped into our inbox, I of course did the polite thing of first offering it to Dark Juan, but with the quintessential British unwritten inference that I really wanted it! And thankfully, he obliged, seeing as he got the last album a few months ago.

In a step away from the grandiose of the Symphonic Gothic melodies they’ve created on their 2 full-length albums, this EP is a stripped-back, acoustic offering of 3 tracks. But they still contain all the elements that, in my opinion, make Carmeria the gold standard of the genre right now. 

As with everything Gothic, the most important part of the EP is how it speaks not only about emotions, but also to them. From the beautifully crafted lyrics to the delicate but intricate instrumentation, and song structures, this is an emotive journey wrapped in a delicate and tender 12 minutes. 

Opening with ‘Lost In The Snow’, the narrative of loyalty is instantly presented, with a gentle melody, like a soothing lullaby, delivering the promise of unwavering friendship and support, whatever life may hold. It’s rare to find a friend who is truly loyal, and if you have one in your lifetime, you’re lucky. And if you do have one, or are one, the lyrics here will resonate with you. Musically, piano and some sort of flute or whistle take the main lead, giving a real air of acoustic Folk beauty.

‘Solaris (Acoustic)’ follows, and is a reimagining of one of Cameria’s classic songs. Following suit in the same minor key as the opening track, this stripped-back version unlocks a whole new dimension to the song. Classical guitar takes the lead here.

The final track is a rework of the Kamelot classic, ‘A Sailorman’s hymn’. While it’s not a million miles from the original, it’s also very definitely a Carmeria version, with the addition of some subtle instrumentation in the background. 

The star across each of these tracks though is Jordon von Grae. His vocals are simply beautiful, and they get me every time. They’re not dissimilar to the (in my humble opinion) godlike vocals of Kamelot’s Tommy Karevik, but with a little more of a raw edge… Which I love. It’s tender and pure, but commanding, with a clarity that’s next level. Having been a chorister in my early years, it’s the sort of voice that I dreamed of having but never quite achieved, and it brings me joy and bitter jealousy in equal measures! Pleasure in pain. And I can’t think of anything more ‘Goth’ than that. 

The only thing wrong with this EP is that it’s too short! But Jordan says in the press release “We are also releasing this EP as a means of providing our audience with some new music as we prepare to start working on our third album.”  So, Dark Juan, prepare your fighting hand, for I challenge you to a ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ duel to decide who gets that whenever it comes in. No more Mrs Nice Beth! The gloves are off!

If you need some tender beauty in your Gothic Symphonic Metal playlist, this EP is an absolute must-have.

TRACKLISTING:
01. Lost In The Snow
02. Solaris (Acoustic)
03. A Sailorman’s Hymn

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