The Path of Sorrows

is an acquired taste, but a true connoisseur of the band's musical repertoire can quickly decipher what is recognized as its best and worst work. is often heralded as one of the group's finest releases. It certainly has its moments, but a classic it is not. Sure, the campiness, kitsch-horror, raw sound, and intense drama that make so compelling do shine at points, but too often the bandmembers stumble over their own drama. The late , known for his -era vampire-esque vocals, comes across a bit overbearing -- more so than usual. works best when the raw sounds, dramatic vocals, effects, and flourishes work in unison, creating a raw, blistered energy; here the rigor mortis sets in too often. The best tracks, the spoken and a cover of 's highlight what is missing throughout the rest of this release. is a bit creepy and, while the music works, the lyrics are a bit overindulgent (e.g., "Mother could I come back to you/Mother could I come back through you"). If you keep the volume low, could work to create a rainy day atmosphere, but for the most part this is for collectors only. Approach with caution. ~ Simon Cantlon