Track two, "Sparks," is just a damn good song. Most F&TM reviews on this site mention the song at least once. A balanced, waltzy rocker with bells, wet guitar and vocals that show energy AND restraint. The third song ("All Lovers Lost") shifts the CD into a Celtic gear for awhile. The guitar instrumental "Interlude: Annabell" is worthy of Jose Feliciano.

The Celtic tracks are right out of a Renaissance fair. The coolest thing I've seen yet in a live show was when F&TM played in Denver, and not ten feet from me a guy in full Native American dress and facepaint strutted his stuff to "The Unquiet Grave," a bouncy Celtic lament.

William brings his A-game on the thunderous rock epic "The Trauma Coil." Here again, smart mixing; he's yelling but mixed lower so you can hear all the instruments. A trace of Rozz Williams pervades the song. "Mercyground" is a good cool-down from the intensity of the last few tracks. It's slower, and allows Monica to showcase her full vocal arsenal. Then comes "Heal," their first song as a team. A tasteful, pleasant ballad of voice and acoustic guitar. "Epilogue: Twilight" is a soothing close to a great album that led to 1996's great and mighty "Annwyn, Beneath The Waves."

Listen to the samples on this site just so you can say "Yeah, I'm a smart consumer." If you like goth/ethereal/rock/Celtic in any combination, you're gonna end up buying F&TM's catalog anyway.


Brilliant   July 30, 2001
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Faith & the Muse must be one of the greatest bands ever to hit the gothic scene. The combination (Mr. Faith an ex-Christian Death, and Monica Richards coming from Strange Boutique) is explosive; indeed, the couple is now running its own music label. Although Faith & the Muse have produced three albums, 'Elyria' is definitely their masterpiece.


In the begining . . .   May 29, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Simply put, Elyria is an outstanding album. It draws from the best styles of the Gothic genre. For instance, "The Unquiet Grave" demonstrates a neo-celtic flare, while "Iago's Demise" has a modern call-and-response/chant sound. However, "Sparks" is reason enough to buy the album. It has a steady hard hitting power that just creeps up on you. Well, I'm not to sure this review has been very helpful, but if you enjoy the more hard edge goth sound then you'll appreciate this album.


Goth music is really great!   September 11, 2002
 3 out of 7 found this review helpful

Led by William Faith of ex-Christian Death fame and with Monica Richards from Strange Boutique this band are one of the very innovative in genre.Don't miss this album!


Cocteau Twins and Sxousie and the Banshees!   September 11, 2003
 1 out of 24 found this review helpful

This band does not have anything original to contribute to this genre.