I recently reviewed the Dark Sanctuary mCD, and provided it with a good deal of praise. As that disc is now sold out, I must point our readers in the direction of the full-length (at nearly 70 minutes!) follow up, "Royaume Melancholique". I must also note that this is indeed one of the finest doom driven, melancholic albums ever recorded.

Guitars, Violins, and percussion now join the keyboards/pianos of Arkdae and the magnificent vocals of Marquise Ermia, giving the music a full-bodied, powerful sound. It's a delight recommending this CD simply because it is so exceptional. "Royaume Melancholique" is the embodiment of depressing music, a formula that has been tampered with for so many years, yet rarely worked. Many will compare this band to early The 3rd and the Mortal, but Dark Sanctuary is far superior, and so much deeper.

Marquise Ermia's vocals are rich and fully developed, and never cross the lines of "pop" or "happiness". They remain distant for the entire disc...and the music stays the same way. It manages to stay heavy by itself at the same time, like a crushing, black weight.

"Royaume Melancholique" truly is perfection. It makes it hard to turn the metal back on after being absorbed and then spit out by this genius body of work. I find this to be a good deal bleaker than any Thergothon or Skepticism release I've ever heard, really! Mature and brilliant!

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