Artrosis - Fetish

Female-fronted goth metal is one of Poland’s prime metallic exports, with Artrosis one of the leading lights. Since 1995, the band has released six studio full-lengths. Metal Mind recently reissued In Nomine Noctis (the English version of 1998’s W Imie Nocy) and 2001’s Fetish, which present interesting contrasts. Fetish wields loops and electronics beyond INN‘s moody pads, though those are abundant, too; the degree of experimentation isn’t as radical as, say, recent Gathering, as the band retains its core of goth metal crunch.

But the production is smoother, the guitar tones are more varied, and Medeah’s vocals achieve new levels of control. Fetish is that rare metal album where electronics mesh seamlessly with guitars (NIN’s The Fragile comes to mind). Subtlety isn’t a strong suit of goth metal, but Artrosis pulls it off here. You can find Fetish at The End.