Russian duo INNER MISSING takes us on an excursion into gothic metal with their latest album "Dead Language." But what did I just start listening to? The Phantom of the Opera? Not that this is opera music by any means, but its vibe is very operatic and dramatic and melancholic. The lead singer's voice wants to be menacing, but sounds way too proper. The female singer on the first song "Dead Language" reminds me a little of Amy Lee from EVANESCENCE. Musically, this album is interesting. I think the instrument work is really good, but I cannot stand Sigmund's singing. It's like an ancient, proper vampire decided to become a vocalist. He has a deep singing voice and enunciates almost every word. The lyrics are tinged with darkness and depression, which is expected for something gothic, but with the vocals it's almost too much. And there is no deviation from this type of singing.

The heaviest song on the album is "Long Odds," which is only musically heavy. Sigmund continues with his drawn out, dramatic singing. It's not to say he's a bad singer, it's just the style he uses. I wonder what this album would sound like with some screams or the use of other singing styles and techniques. It just feels like it needs more layers, vocally. For some reason while listening I got the image of a heavy storm in my head - the tone just exudes desperation and is drenched in melancholy.

The other main problem with this album is that every song sounds the same. It's all got the same tone, the same singing - it feels like something Eyeore would listen to, just down in the dumps. I love listening to dark music and sometimes even sad music, but this made me just want to crawl under my covers and stay there. I think this album could have been much better with some more experimentation and stepping outside the comfort zone. I also really liked the addition of the female vocalist in the first song and am curious why she wasn't used more. I think that definitely would have helped my opinion of the album.