Album Review: Tribulation – Sub Rosa In Æternum (Century Media Records)

While they may be renowned for their unique blend of gothic and death metal, Tribulation are not ones to repeat a formula and on Sub Rosa in Æternum, they conjure a new beast. Part psychological horror of Italian cinema, part gaunt British goth, and part Art Deco opulence. It is out on November 1st, 2024, via Century Media Records.

The ever-evolving face of Tribulation is on clear display here and they can never be accused of stagnating. Even when they’re offering up familiar lavish and theatrical vibes, such as what they offer with the grandstanding opener of The Unrelenting Choir. The melody creates very thick atmosphere and the vocals give it its gothic weight, but it does have an intro feel and what follows isn’t quite as intriguing.

Called Tainted Skies, what we have here is a poppier and more upbeat Tribulation to some degree, but one that feels very Tribulation still. Albeit with some more ‘fun’ aspects that veer dangerously close to Ghost territory in places. It’s perfectly fine, if unmemorable for the most part. Whereas Saturn Coming Down is far stronger with its clean goth-infused sound, tons of atmosphere and groovy elements. As it goes on, Tribulation better balance all the elements, resulting in one of the more infectious listens of the album overall.

There’s a sense that the record has found its stride now, and with Hungry Waters taking a more melodic rock route, Tribulation are in the prime position to showcase their ever-evolving creative powers. The bass hums nicely here, the vocals are varied, and the chorus is delightfully weird. Then along comes Drink the Love of God to get the club bouncing again, Tribulation showcasing their dynamism in addictive fashion.

There’s a definite continuation of Tribulations’ reinvention as the album goes on. On the one hand, recognisably them, but also not quite like anything else before. Which sums up Murder in Red and Time & The Vivid Ore nicely. The former uses synth well to give it a darkwave retro feel and has some notably great gloomy melodies. Whereas the latter brings back some of that lovable grandstanding that Tribulation are so good at, while also being one of the heavier tracks of the album.

It flies by and with an emphatic, dramatic and morose showcase of poppy melody via Reaping Song and an elaborate, detailed, and opulent body shaker called Poison Pages, it ends. The latter half is stronger than the former, but overall, this another strong example of Tribulation being imaginative and interesting. When it’s good (Saturn Coming Down, Murder in Red, Reaping Song), it’s really freaking good. Tribulation as untouchable as ever.

Tribulation – Sub Rosa in Æternum Track Listing:

1. The Unrelenting Choir
2. Tainted Skies
3. Saturn Coming Down
4. Hungry Waters
5. Drink the Love of God
6. Murder in Red
7. Time & The Vivid Ore
8. Reaping Song
9. Poison Pages

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