Headphones on, I sit in the sunlight, listening intently to THE FORESHADOWING's Third album titled "Second World" I quickly find myself taken to a darker place where no sunlight exists. The Italian Gothic / Doom Metal band delivers a darker less ambient, but heavier lyrically laden E.D. Apocalypse story tracked album. Italy's well known "kings" of Gothic melodramatic Metal seemingly use their arsenal of vocal and musical talents to bring together a 10 track album of doom in this apocalyptic theatrical saga of music.

The opening track "Havoc" with its 2 minute intro, is true to THE FORESHADOWING's musical pattern. I can imagine this in live performance, as the vocalist Marco enters the stage. His vocals, technically on point throughout the entire album, match the mood in a very somber lower range delivery.

The mix and production by Dan Swano shines in this track, "Havoc", as well as in title song "Second World" ,the more mainstream "Ground Zero", as well as in the more dynamic, traditional Gothic / Doom Metal song "Reverie Is A Tyrant" and in the softer, subtle dark beauty in "Colonies". Every song engages in long sustained guitar streams and riffs are dominant, unfortunately, the drums, keys and bass get lost in the over layering arrangements. The direction of this album is geared to highlight the vocals and very much more an operetta then a classic Doom Metal album.

The only drawback on this album, is the songs all sound similar, and border on too long, indulging in the more Gothic dark theatrical which may not be as attracting to newer listeners, thinking they are going to get a heavier metal doom sound. I am familiar with THE FORESHADOWING's two previous albums and music, and see this as a band to be seen live on stage performance especially with this album "Second World". The goal of the album, in my opinion did indeed deliver a darker place, but it was filled with a haunting melodramatic more Gothic Metal world. I look forward to and wonder what is in store after the apocalypse and what awaits us in the "Second World".