Review by Maciek on March 2, 2013.

I was really amazed how technically brilliant this album is. There are strong influences of Morbid Angel on this album and I suppose this should be a favourite album of all MA's fans disappointed by their album starting with the letter "I". So if you feel that 'Existo Vulgore' and 'Nevermore' is not enough to satisfy your hunger for Morbid Angel sounds, you should grab this album as quick as possible.

The great opening track 'Thou Shalt Bleed...' gives great example of what these guys can do. The riffs with pull-ups are great. The overall music reminds of my favourite Morbid Angel albums (from F to H) and I have to say this is like travelling in time-machine and seeing what would have happened if Morbid Angel wouldn't decide to experiment that much with their music (which by the way would be a great loss to my collection, I really like "Illud...").

Thanks to Centurian I can experience both possibilities. And now maybe they will steal all MA's fans? Who knows... Anyway this album is not only in the style of Morbid Angel, it is Death Metal mixed with some elements of Black Metal as well and what is amazing to me I would never think that it would be able to hear sounds similar to MA and Mayhem on one album, but here it is and it sounds great. The most MA-stylized track, I guess is 'The Will Of The Torch' - brilliant track reminding a little of 'Prayer Of Hatred', but with a fresh approach with the same astonishing riffs and the drumwork at the level of Pete Sandoval. The one that is closest to Mayhem I would say is 'Damnatio Memoriae', but as with many good albums, the longer you listen to it you hear more, some bits of Hate (or maybe Behemoth), but also many other passages typical only for Centurian are amazing additions which make this album stand out as one of the best recordings in Death Metal field recently. Really strong position and a really good representation of Dutch death metal scene. It's definitely standing strong.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Review by Krys on February 19, 2002.

From the kings of melancholy, The End Records, comes another release that will shake your world and open yet another softer side of your mind that you probably didn’t know existed.

If I had to add a picture behind the music it would be about a man who sacrificed his life for the love of his life that happened to be Death itself hidden behind the face of the most beautiful creature that walked the earth. OK, maybe I wouldn’t win the Oscar for the most original idea but add Virgin Black “Sombre Romantic” as a soundtrack behind it and you’ll get chills down your spine, guaranteed.

Chants of monks, dreamy classical arrangements, cold and thunderous strokes of drums, crying guitar solos and amazing voice of Rowan London that sounds like nothing you’ve encountered before (at least not in metal), makes “Sombre Romantic” one of the most unique and original releases I’ve heard.

The closest description for the vocals I can muster is a mix of Far East texture with a deep and strong command so well controlled that without words it can plummet you into sorrow or anger and it makes me constantly click repeat to satisfy my bleeding soul.

While the Rowan’s voice is the driving force on this album, the rest of the band doesn’t just fill the holes but rather creates a dark and romantic background where all instruments are used with a perfect touch without creating too complex or mood breaking lines. Finding the best track here is almost impossible ‘cause each song has its own identity and while being so distinct they still construct the whole concept wonderfully.

The only unnecessary moments are techno-esque beats on ‘Walk Without Limbs’ and ‘Lamenting Kiss’ but those minor flaws on “Sombre Romantic” are not even worth further examination because they drown in an ocean of sorrow and beauty that emanates from this masterpiece. Just dim the lights and turn up the volume...

Bottom Line: Virgin Black; I haven’t even heard this name before but from now on I’ll make sure every release that comes out from this great band will find its way to my collection. (Their 1998 “Trance” is already coming.)

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9
Originality: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.4 out of 10