The Vain City Chronicles is the second release of the Norwegian band The Crest, though there is a fact that catches the attention of the Metal audience other than just a new album. The frontwoman of the band, Nell, has been chosen to take part as the female singer in the legendary doom/gothic band Theatre Of Tragedy...
Back in 1996 a band formed under the name Swansong. This was the name that Kristian gave to the band he formed together with Nell, after the band Crab which he was in, split up. Through the years, after many lineup changes and demo material, The Crest made a contract with Season Of Mist and released their debut album Letters From Fire in 2002. Despite the fact that the album got some credit, the band stayed inactive during 2003 but then suddenly last year it was announced that Nell was going to be the replacement of Liv Kristine (Leaves' Eyes). However, she claimed that she would maintain her position within The Crest.
Musically, The Crest is placed under the darkwave/gothic genre and I would say that gothic/pop Metal fits quite well as a description for their music. The opening track Run Like Blazes starts with a violin and some heavy melodic guitars, surrounding Nell's beautiful voice. The album is centered on Nell's vocals and the heavy, melodic guitars. There won't be any doubt that she will fit perfectly in her role in Theatre Of Tragedy. The songs are catchy enough, easily memorable, and the album gives a bittersweet and sometimes, melancholic feeling. Background samples add to the creation of the atmosphere and so does the violin's sound. There is quite a good balance between the up-tempo and the slower parts of the tracks. Songs like for example Another Life could easily be released as a single and be a hit among gothic/pop listeners.
Concluding, Vain City Chronicles is an album that is definitely marked by Nell's voice. It's not that great and unique as far as music is concerned but there are some great tracks that every fan of the genre would enjoy.